The Dance
Originated in Gujarat, garba is similar to Social Dancing. The literal
meaning of Graba is inside the earthenware lamp. It comes from the Sanskrit
word Garba Deep.
It is performed during Navratris - the nine auspicious nights - wherein the
Goddess Ambaji is worshipped. Goddess Amba is the one of the nine forms of
Goddess Durga - the main diety.For the dance the Ambajis Idol is placed in
the middle of the circle of boys and gils. The entire dance goes round and
round the Goddess Idol. The modern Garba is a reflection of the Ras Dance.
The Garbo or the earthen pots has holes in it all around. Light within
signifies Knowledge. The Concept of Garbo is linked to microcosm and macro-
cosm. Moving around in circle signifies the never ending cicle of creation,
maintenanace and destruction of the human body and things around it. The
songs used in the dance are the traditional Gujarati songs sung by Gujarat
Singers.
