Garba

• Garba is the traditional folk dance from Gujarat which is performed during the nine-day long festival of Navratri. 
• The word is derived from ‘garbha deep’ and it means an earthern lamp in the sanctum of a temple. 
• Traditionally, Garba is performed in a circle around a lit lamp or photos of different avatars of Goddess Shakti.
• Modern-day Garba is heavily influenced by ‘raas’, a dance which is traditionally performed by men. 
• Today, the merger of two sees both men and women dance together. Women wear ‘chaniya choli’ while men are dressed in kafni pyjamas, short kurta and a colourful turban. 
• Garba is hugely popular today across the world, with competitions and Garba nights an annual feature during Navratri.