Workshops for garba are becoming increasingly popular during Navratri, with Bengalureans participating to improve their garba and dandiya skills for the upcoming festivities. The city is bustling with excitement as individuals prepare to dress in vibrant attire and dance to the traditional music. From communal gatherings to large events, Bengaluru is gearing up for a weekend filled with cultural displays and celebrations. Social media has played a crucial role in promoting garba and dandiya, showcasing the fun and communal aspects to encourage more people to join. The growing interest in fitness has also contributed to the appeal of garba as a cardio workout. According to dance choreographer Amisha Jhawar, garba provides a therapeutic experience, attracting participants each year for the joy, connection, and sense of community it offers. The informal group settings, use of dandiya sticks, and variety of dance styles all add to the charm of these workshops. Garba, considered beginner-friendly, emphasizes footwork as the foundation for a seamless performance before incorporating arm movements to enhance the dance. Choreographer Sheena Chaudhary believes that the spirit of Navratri is infectious and exhilarating, with dandiya and garba being seasonal dances that people practice closer to the event to enhance their memory of the steps and boost their performance or simply get into the festive spirit. Both men and women participate, with most steps being gender-neutral to ensure inclusivity. To accommodate various skill levels, steps are taught in a simplified manner with some choreography. The workshops exude a positive atmosphere, with participants laughing, smiling, and enjoying the experience."Dance has the power to unite people from different communities," states Bijal J Shah, a Zumba instructor. She recalls a heartwarming moment during her dandiya and garba classes where students from various backgrounds danced with equal enthusiasm and unity, showcasing the joy that dance can bring. This experience emphasized the unifying nature of dance, transcending age and skill levels.

Sheena, who offers dandiya and garba classes, highlights the natural workout these dances provide through squats, arm stretches, and neck engagement. Stressing the importance of a warm-up to prevent injuries, she believes that dance serves as a holistic exercise, particularly beneficial in today's sedentary lifestyles.

Brothers Nimesh and Mohit Chhag, who have conducted dandiya and garba workshops for over a decade, note the increasing demand for learning these traditional dances. They have expanded their workshops and schedules to accommodate more participants, introducing new styles and steps each year to keep up with the interest.

With a focus on the three Ps - Patience, Practice, and Perfection, Bijal J Shah aims to simplify the learning process and create a welcoming environment for beginners to enjoy learning garba and dandiya styles. Her tips for beginners emphasize the importance of regular practice to gain comfort with the steps.Steps and beat. Enjoy and learn: Observe skilled dancers to grasp their techniques and unique styles. Relish and relax: Garba is all about having a good time! Don't stress about perfection; simply immerse yourself in the music. Garba etiquette: When taking part in garba, it's crucial to show respect to others. Avoid pushing or colliding with other dancers, and stay aware of your surroundings. Dress code? Garba enthusiasts often flaunt colorful and vibrant outfits. Traditionally, women opt for cholis and ghagras, featuring intricate embroidery and decorations. Men typically go for kurtas and dhotis. Nevertheless, contemporary garba attire can vary greatly, showcasing diverse cultures and styles.