Garba workshops are becoming increasingly popular during the festive season of Navratri in Bengaluru. Residents are participating in these workshops to improve their garba and dandiya skills, gearing up for the colorful celebrations ahead. The city is bustling with excitement as individuals prepare to dress up in vibrant attire and dance to the traditional music. From community gatherings to large events, Bengaluru is about to witness a joyful display of culture and festivity this weekend.
According to dance choreographer Amisha Jhawar, social media has played a crucial role in promoting garba and dandiya, showcasing their fun and communal aspects and encouraging more people to join in. Moreover, the increasing interest in fitness has made garba more enticing, as it offers a cardio workout.
Participants find garba to be a therapeutic and enjoyable experience, drawn by the happiness, connection, and sense of community it provides. The informal group setting, use of props like dandiya sticks, and a variety of dance styles all contribute to the appeal of these workshops.
Garba is beginner-friendly, with a focus on mastering footwork before adding arm movements to enhance the overall dance. Dance instructor Sheena Chaudhary emphasizes the infectious and exhilarating spirit of Navratri, highlighting that dandiya and garba are seasonal dances that people practice closer to the event to sharpen their memory of the steps and elevate their performance or simply to immerse themselves in the festival spirit.
Sheena notes that both men and women participate, with more women typically involved. The steps are gender-neutral, making men comfortable to join. To accommodate all skill levels, steps are taught in a simplified manner with some choreography. The lively atmosphere at the workshops is filled with laughter, smiles, and enjoyment."Dance has the ability to unite people from different backgrounds," shares Zumba instructor Bijal J Shah. She recalls a heartwarming moment when her students, including those who aren't Gujarati, danced with equal passion and joy, showcasing unity and happiness. This experience highlighted the inclusive nature of dance, bringing people together regardless of age or skill level.
Sheena, a dandiya and garba instructor, emphasizes the workout benefits of these traditional dances, citing the engagement of various muscle groups and the importance of warming up to prevent injuries, especially for beginners. As modern lifestyles have become increasingly sedentary, it is essential to incorporate physical activity into daily routines.
Brothers Nimesh and Mohit Chhag, who have been organizing dandiya and garba workshops for 14 years, note the rising demand for these traditional dances each year. In response to this interest, they have expanded their workshop offerings to accommodate different schedules, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for all participants.
Mohit stresses the importance of patience, practice, and achieving perfection when learning these dances. He encourages beginners to practice regularly to improve their comfort and proficiency with the steps.Steps and tempo. Observe and absorb: Study skilled dancers to grasp their technique and flair. Unwind and have fun: Garba is all about enjoyment! There's no need to stress about being flawless; simply immerse yourself in the music. Etiquette at Garba: When joining in the garba festivities, it's key to be considerate of others. Steer clear of pushing or colliding with fellow dancers and remain aware of your surroundings. Dress code: Garba participants often don vibrant and lively outfits. Traditionally, women opt for cholis and ghagras, embellished with intricate details and decorations. Men typically wear kurtas and dhotis. Nonetheless, contemporary garba attire can vary greatly, showcasing a range of cultures and styles.
