Mysore/Mysuru: The artistes who have come for Gujarat Utsav which is underway at JSS Urban Haat, Metagalli, since Dec. 30, 2020, will be presenting traditional Gujarat dance ‘Garba’ tomorrow (Jan. 6) between  6.30 pm and 9 pm. 

Over 50 artists will be performing for ten different tunes. Garba  is a dance form originated in Gujarat, performed during Navarathri — a 9-day festival of Goddess Durga. Garba dance is usually performed in a circle around a big lamp or the statue of Goddess Shakti. Garba is often confused with Dandiya, which is another dance form of Gujarat performed during Navrathri. The major difference between the two dance forms is that Garba is performed in circular movements with hands and feet, while Dandiya is played with colorful sticks. 

Another perspective on the symbolic form of Garba is that as the dancers move around in circles making circular movements with their hands and feet, it represents the circle of life, which moves from life to death to rebirth, leaving only the Goddess Durga unmoved, unchanging and invincible. While the dancers perform in colorful 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 Gujarat dress with three piece outfit and men who perform wear Kediyu, a short round kurta along with Kafni Pajamas along with Pagdi on their head. 

The modern day Garba is actually a fusion of Dandiya Raas and Garba. 

Industrial Extension Cottage (IndExt-C) Executive Director D.M. Shukla and Manager R.R. Jadav have appealed craft-loving people of Mysuru to visit Gujarat Utsav and motivate artisans by purchasing their artifacts, which will provide them much needed livelyhood; and also enjoy the Garba Evening on Jan. 6.