Navratri, a festival of nine nights, revolves around worshipping and honouring the
divine energy. The entire festival celebrates the divine feminine through three phases- the
first three nights honour goddess Saraswati, symbolizing wisdom, creativity, and the birth of
new ideas; the next set is dedicated to goddess Lakshmi, representing prosperity, growth,
and nurturing the force of life and the final three nights are devoted to Kali (or Durga),
symbolizing destruction, transformation, and empowerment, encouraging devotees to
overcome limitations and embrace change.
One of the most iconic elements of this nine-night festival is the Garba dance of Gujarat which has been recently inscribed in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. Garba is a powerful dance form which celebrates the feminine aspect of divinity and it is traditionally performed around an earthen pot (Garbo) with a lamp inside, which is called a ‘Garbha deep.’ The word Garba is derived from the Sanskrit word, ‘Garbha’ meaning foetus or embryo. Thus, Garba holds a deep meaning as the Garbha Deep (earthen pot), represents the female body, and the lamp inside symbolizes life, like a baby in the womb. Garba places women at the heart of the celebration as they dance around the Garbha Deep in a circle which is a way to honour the feminine energy within, celebrating life and fertility. This tradition during Navratri shows the worship of Shakti, or the power of women, highlighting that divinity resides within them.
Garba is an empowering celebration for women as it offers them an opportunity to move
beyond their household responsibilities and enjoy their moment in limelight. For years,
women in both rural and urban areas have embraced this dance, using it as a way to break
free from the constraints of the patriarchal society. This participation gives a sense of unity and community among women, encouraging them to step out with confidence. The act of
performing in front of large crowds also empowers women to become confident and express
themselves freely through the freedom of movement, dressing up vibrantly and joining other
women to step outside of the societal limitations imposed on them.
Beyond personal empowerment, Garba has also opened doors for women’s social and
economic upliftment as many women across various parts of India are involved in garba
related business activities offering them financial independence. Women-led Garba groups
are now very popular where they organize performances, take garba classes, and even run
costume rental businesses. Women-only garba events have also gained popularity giving
women a safe space to come together and celebrate. In rural areas, Garba has helped rural
women to connect with a larger community and step out of their traditional roles. These
opportunities thus allow women to gain financial independence and build a supportive
community where they uplift each other.
Though Garba is a rooted tradition in India, it has evolved into a dance of empowerment
for women. It has now become a modern-day symbol of womanhood, strength and
encouragement for women of all generations as it has always provided women with an
opportunity to express themselves freely, breaking societal barriers and embracing them
inner power.
Comments