Navratri 2024: Navratri started from 3 October 2024. Navratri festival has a lot of recognition in Hindu religion. Nine forms of Mother Goddess are worshiped with rituals for the entire nine days. Worshiping mother brings happiness, prosperity and peace. By worshiping Mother Goddess during Navratri, all your wishes are fulfilled.
What is the importance of Garba and Dandiya on Navratri?
Navratri has great importance in Hindu religion. During the festival of Navratri, nine forms of Mother Goddess are worshiped for nine days. The festival of Navratri is celebrated with great pomp throughout the country. The festival of Navratri is not limited to just worship, it also has a cultural aspect. The cultural aspect is as important as the religious one.
Garba and Dandiya are played in Navratri. These are important dance styles played in Navratri. Which provides completeness and joy to this festival. The festival of Navratri remains incomplete without Garba and Dandiya.
Why is Garba and Dandiya played on Shardiya Navratri?
Garba-
Garba means “womb” or “inner lamp”. It is a symbol of worship of Goddess Shakti. During the nine days of Navratri, people light a lamp in an earthen pot which is called “Garbi”. This pot is known as the power and energy of Maa Durga and people dance Garba around it.
While dancing Garba, people form a round circle and dance with joy, absorbed in the devotion of the mother. It is considered a symbol of the life cycle and the infinite power of Goddess Durga. Garba dance is performed on popular songs sung in praise of Goddess Durga. Garba is a traditional dance, its tradition is highest in Gujarat but gradually Garba dance has become popular in every city and state. This dance shows the unwavering faith and belief of the devotees on Mother Durga.
This dance is full of energy and that is why it is also considered a symbol of power and energy. Garba is a symbol of worship, faith and belief of Maa Durga. This dance reveals the energy and power hidden in the womb of the Goddess. The round circle of Garba symbolizes the continuously moving cycle of the universe. Where life and death are tied in a cycle. Garba dance is a symbol of worship of the Goddess as well as her energy.
Dandiya-
Dandiya dance involves men and women playing with each other using wooden sticks. It symbolizes the fight between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura. The sticks played during Dandiya dance are considered to be a symbol of the sword of Goddess Durga, which destroys evil.
Maa Durga Aarti: Performing these three aartis of Maa Durga during Navratri pleases the mother.
