Mysuru: Here is an opportunity for Mysureans to have a glimpse of Gujarat traditional dance. The artistes who have come for Gujarat Utsav which is going on at JSS Urban Haat since July 6, will be presenting a traditional Gujarati dance “Garba” on July 11 between 6.30 PM and 8.30 PM.
Garba or Garbo is a Gujarati dance commonly performed at festivals and on other special occasions. It is a joyful style of dance, based on a circular pattern and characterised by a sweeping action from side to side. Garba performances often include singing and a musical accompaniment traditionally provided by Dhol (double-headed drum) and a similar but smaller Dholak; hand clapping; and assorted metallic idiophones, such as cymbals.
Garba celebrates fertility, honour of womanhood, and pay respects to an array of mother goddesses. Garba is celebrated during the nine-night Navratri festival, held annually during the Hindu month of Ashvina (September–October). Although men may participate on some occasions, women are the typical performers of Garba. The basic dance formation is that of a circle that moves counterclockwise. If space is constrained or there are many participants, dancers form concentric circles that move in opposite directions. Ultimately, the performers circle around an image of a mother goddess, such as Durga, or around a symbolic representation of her creative energy. Keeping perforated clay pot in the centre or a water-filled vessel, the dancing begins slowly and gradually increases in speed.
The dances are widely performed at the Holi spring festival. Especially since the late 20th century, there has been a notable proliferation of Garba competitions and university dance troupes. Folk dances similar to Garba can also be found in other parts of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu in the southeast and in Rajasthan, the northeastern neighbour of Gujarat.
The Garba Attire
While the dancers perform in colourful costumes to the rhythm of a Dhol or a drum, the men and women look vibrant and full of life in their attires. Women wear Chaniya Choli, a traditional Gujarati three-piece outfit comprising Choli or a blouse, a Chaniya, which is a long flared skirt and an embellished Dupatta.
