It is a devotional and ritualistic dance performed on the occasion of Navaratri in Gujarat. Hindus celebrate Navaratri for nine days in autumn during the lunar month Ashwin. At this festival, Shakti, or feminine energy, is worshipped. Throughout the Garba dance, the cultural, performative, and visual expressions of this feminine energy are expressed.
Garba is practiced by a broad spectrum of people. The dancers used to be only women, but today it is inclusive of men, children, seniors, groups, and individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Its knowledge and skills are transmitted both orally and in writing. By practicing, performing, imitating, and observing, the oral tradition is passed down in urban as well as rural areas. During pregnancy, the movements and music of Garba are passed down from mother to unborn child. It is called Garbh-Sanskar or passing on Garba. In the early years of childhood, children mimic their parents' movements and songs.
In addition to transmitting information, choreographed stage shows of Garba all over India and abroad contribute to the spread of the element through workshops, lectures, and discussions. In an effort to safeguard and promote the tradition of Garba and its associated knowledge, NGOs, media houses, universities, and scholars have taken action. Workshops are held to explore Garba as a theoretical and performative practice, research is conducted, competitions are held to showcase the talent of Garba artists, and international programs are organized to promote Gujarat's living heritage. To document their cultural heritage and encourage collective singing, community and educational groups publish Garba song literature. Many poets, composers, and singers keep diaries of their compositions. By listing Garba on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the inclusive nature of the celebration, both as a ritual and as a sociocultural phenomenon, will be highlighted worldwide.
Garba has been showcased on multiple platforms across the world through this scheme, which is supported by a variety of departments of the Government of Gujarat. The government of Gujarat's Department of Sports, Youth, and Cultural Activities promotes Garba through various activities. Garba competitions were initially started in 1960 by a private cultural organization. A number of Garba artists and scholars are honored with awards and accolades by the Sangeet Natak Akademi (Government's institution for performing arts). Festivals of India Abroad are organized by the Ministry of Culture's International Cultural Relations wing. Through this scheme, Garba has been showcased on different platforms across the world. Old manuscripts of Garba are preserved in museums and research institutes. |Subject=Art, Belief, dance, Music, Ritual |Country=India |SDG=(11) Sustainable Cities and Communities }}