Garba workshops are becoming increasingly popular in Bengaluru as Navratri celebrations are in full swing. Residents are taking part in workshops to improve their garba and dandiya skills in preparation for the festivities. With colorful attire and traditional dance moves, the city is alive with excitement as people gear up to join community gatherings and grand events showcasing culture and celebration.
Social media has played a key role in promoting garba and dandiya by highlighting the fun and communal aspects of these activities, attracting more participants. Interest in fitness has also contributed to the appeal of garba as a cardio workout, according to dance choreographer Amisha Jhawar. Many participants return annually, drawn by the joy, connection, and community spirit of garba workshops that offer a variety of styles and the use of props like dandiya sticks.
Garba is a beginner-friendly dance that emphasizes footwork as the foundation. Once mastered, participants can incorporate arm movements to fully enjoy the dance, explains dance instructor Sheena Chaudhary. The festive spirit of Navratri is contagious and exhilarating, leading people to practice dandiya and garba closer to the event for better performance and to immerse themselves in the festival atmosphere. Men and women alike take part in these seasonal dances, with workshops catering to various skill levels and teaching steps in a simplified manner with some choreography. The workshops create a lively atmosphere where participants laugh, smile, and engage with each other."Dance has the ability to unite individuals from diverse communities through the enjoyment it brings," says Bijal J Shah, a Zumba instructor. Reflecting on a memorable experience teaching dandiya and garba, she recalls the heartwarming sight of her students, not limited to Gujaratis, dancing with equal vigor and joy, completely absorbed in the music's rhythm. This display of unity and happiness highlighted the unifying power of dance, transcending age and skill levels.
Sheena, who started offering dandiya and garba classes ahead of time, emphasizes the natural workout these dances provide, involving squats, arm stretches, and neck movements that engage the entire body. Stressing the importance of warming up before delving into the techniques, she explains how crucial it is to relax and prepare the body, particularly in today's sedentary lifestyles dominated by desk work.
Brothers Nimesh and Mohit Chhag, who have been organizing dandiya and garba workshops in Bengaluru and nationwide for 14 years, have observed a persistent increase in demand for learning these dances. Each year brings a heightened interest in new styles, steps, and additional classes, prompting them to extend their workshop network and offer more flexible timings to accommodate diverse schedules.
Adhering to the principles of patience, practice, and perfection, Bijal J Shah aims to simplify the teaching process, cultivate a welcoming environment, and introduce and explain the nuances of garba and dandiya styles to make learning enjoyable and accessible. For beginners, she advises that practice is key to gaining comfort and mastery of the steps.Steps and beat: Learn by watching the pros in action. Take note of their moves and flair. Have a blast: Garba is all about having fun! Forget about getting everything right; just enjoy the music. Garba decorum: When joining in the garba festivities, remember to show respect towards others. Steer clear of pushing or colliding with fellow dancers, and stay aware of your surroundings. What to put on? Garba participants usually don colorful and lively outfits. Traditionally, women don cholis and ghagras featuring detailed adornments and embroidery. Men typically opt for kurtas and dhotis. Nonetheless, modern garba attire can vary, showcasing a range of cultural influences and styles.
