Garba workshops are becoming increasingly popular as Navratri is in full swing. Residents of Bengaluru are taking part in these workshops to enhance their garba and dandiya skills in preparation for the upcoming festivities. The city is bustling with excitement as individuals gear up to wear colorful outfits and dance to the traditional tunes. From community gatherings to large-scale events, Bengaluru is poised to showcase a blend of culture and celebration this weekend.

According to Amisha Jhawar, a dance choreographer, social media has played a crucial role in promoting garba and dandiya by highlighting the enjoyment and communal aspects of these activities, leading to increased participation. Additionally, the rising interest in fitness has made garba, which is essentially a cardio workout, more attractive to a wider audience.

Many participants find garba to be a therapeutic experience, returning each year for the joy, connection, and sense of community it provides. The informal group settings, incorporation of props like dandiya sticks, and variety of dance styles all contribute to the appeal of these workshops, as shared by Amisha, who conducts dance sessions in the city.

Garba is described as a beginner-friendly dance, with a focus on mastering footwork first for better overall flow. Once footwork is mastered, participants can add arm movements and fully enjoy the dance, according to dance instructor Sheena Chaudhary.

Sheena Chaudhary, a choreographer in the city, mentions that dandiya and garba are seasonal dances, with many individuals beginning practice closer to the event to refresh their memory of the steps and enhance their performance or simply to embrace the festival spirit. Both men and women participate, with more women typically involved. Most steps are suitable for all genders, ensuring that men feel comfortable joining in. Sheena simplifies the steps and adds choreography to accommodate various skill levels. The workshops provide a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere, where participants laugh, smile, and immerse themselves in the joyous Navratri spirit."Dance has the ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds,” mentions Bijal J Shah, a Zumba instructor. She recalls a heartwarming moment during her dandiya and garba classes when all her students, not limited to the Gujarati community, danced with equal passion and joy, completely absorbed in the music. This experience demonstrated the unifying and joyful essence of dance, emphasizing its power to bring people together regardless of age or expertise level.

Sheena, a participant who initiated dandiya and garba classes beforehand, emphasizes the physical benefits of these dances as a natural full-body workout involving squats, arm stretches, and neck movements. Stressing the importance of warming up before diving into the routines, she highlights the risk of injuries, particularly for beginners following sedentary lifestyles.

Brothers Nimesh and Mohit Chhag, organizers of dandiya and garba workshops for over 14 years in Bengaluru and across India, observe a growing demand for learning these dances every year. To meet this increasing interest, they have expanded their workshop offerings with new styles, steps, and additional classes at various times to accommodate diverse schedules.

Encouraging a simplified teaching approach and creating a welcoming environment to introduce garba and dandiya styles, Bijal J Shah believes in the significance of patience, practice, and striving for perfection. Her advice for beginners is to practice regularly to enhance comfort with the steps over time.Steps and beat: Observe skilled dancers to pick up their moves and techniques. Have fun: Garba is all about enjoyment! Don't stress about perfection; simply let loose and groove to the music. Garba manners: When joining in on the garba fun, remember to be courteous toward others. Avoid pushing or causing collisions with fellow dancers, and stay aware of your surroundings. Dress code: Garba participants commonly don vibrant and colorful outfits. Traditionally, women sport cholis and ghagras adorned with intricate designs, while men opt for kurtas and dhotis. However, modern garba attire varies greatly, reflecting diverse cultures and styles.