Preface
Garba
Garba & Raas
Garba and Raas are the most popular folk dances of Gujarat and are performed as devotional dances several times a year during the festivals of Navratri
Words do not easily capture the vibrancy, the energy, the ecstasy and so much more of a Garba and Raas happening and it’s blissful blend of music and dance, glowing and flowing with grace and radiance. Every year Gujaratis all over the world dissolve and dazzle in dances of delight and devotion in their nine day festivals of Navratri. These happenings are filled with the noise and swaying of people, the tinkling and jingling of the dancers and the delighted faces of the people amazed by the rapture.
Conceived in ancient times Garba and Raas dances are immersed in amazing philosophy and have been borne out of much wonderful and profound thinking. The dance and music of Garba and Raas is spectacular and immerses the dancers and gathering in delicious devotion.
Engaging in this circular and cosmic dance provides a wonderful chance for mixing and mingling with friends, families and wider society and sustains a healthy and enjoyable way of refreshing and rejuvenating ourselves and the people around and about us.
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Appeal
Dance & Music
Dance and music also have a greater and higher purpose in life and Garba and Raas are infused with meaning and purpose. There is profound wisdom embraced in Garba and Raas and these dances have universal appeal. Those of firm faith and those with little or no faith, can all engage pleasantly in these dances.
Garba and Raas dances are not restricted to Gujarat, they are danced wherever there are Gujaratis. They are not the exclusive preserve of Gujaratis either, they are a common enchantment for people over all continents and many places in between.
Far more than any devotion professed for the divine, it is how we treat and respect each other, that is the best foundation of any faith and all devotion. Garba and Raas dances help to foster good manners and graceful etiquette and as such are invaluable for our existence in joy and togetherness.
This short book briefly covers the main elements of these dances and their devotional aspects. Many of the more important areas will be covered in greater detail in future publications.
Those who are passionate about Garba, and eagerly await its exciting and glorious arrival every year, know the enchantment that Garba brings. Those new to Garba, or perhaps disillusioned with Garba, may find this work to be of interest.
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