Foreign Visitors Experience Unique Garba in Jamnagar During Navratri
In Jamnagar, Gujarat, people from all over the world are joining locals to celebrate Navratri, a festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. Nastasia from Germany shared her excitement about witnessing the traditional Garba dance, which includes dancing with fire, a rare sight. Women in Jamnagar also performed the ‘Indhoni Raas Garba’ with burning ‘Indhoni’ on their heads, a unique cultural practice.
About Navratri
Navratri, meaning ‘nine nights’, is a festival celebrated with devotion across India, honoring Goddess Durga and her nine forms. It is observed twice a year, with Shardiya Navratri being one of the most celebrated. In Gujarat, the festival is marked by the energetic Garba dance, while in North India, the Ramlila, a dramatic re-enactment of the Ramayana, is performed. The festival concludes with Vijayadashami, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Doubts Revealed
Jamnagar -: Jamnagar is a city in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is known for its rich culture and traditions, especially during festivals like Navratri.
Navratri -: Navratri is a Hindu festival that lasts for nine nights and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. It is celebrated with dance, music, and fasting across India.
Garba -: Garba is a traditional dance form from Gujarat, performed during Navratri. It involves rhythmic clapping and circular movements, often around a central lamp or image of the goddess.
Indhoni Raas Garba -: Indhoni Raas Garba is a special type of Garba dance where women balance burning ‘Indhoni’ (a type of lamp) on their heads while dancing. It is a unique and skillful performance.
Vijayadashami -: Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is a festival that marks the end of Navratri. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, symbolized by the defeat of the demon king Ravana by Lord Rama.