Dandiya Raas...

Hello All… I hosted a Dandiya Raas yesterday evening. That's when I realized the very essence of it and how rich our culture happens to be. So here am I sharing the very knowledge... Honestly, everyone could do Dandiya and Garbha. But one must be aware of its importance…



Raas or Dandiya Raas is the traditional folk dance form of Gujarat in India, and is associated with lila of Krishna and Radha at Vrindavan. The word "Raas" comes from the Sanskrit word "Rasa". The origins of Raas can be traced to ancient times as in Lord Krishna performed Rasa lila".  Garbha  is a form of dance that originated in the state of Gujarat in India. The word Garbha comes from the Sanskrit word for womb and so implies gestation or pregnancy - life. Traditionally, the dance is performed around a clay lantern with a light inside, called a Garbha Deep. This lantern represents life; the fetus in the womb in particular. The dancers thus honor Durga, the feminine form of divinity. The circular and spiral figures of Garbha have similarities to other spiritual dances, such as those of Sufi culture.


Originating as devotional Garbha dances, which were always performed in Durga's honour, this dance form is actually the staging of a mock-fight between the Goddess and Mahishasura, the mighty demon-king, and is nicknamed "The Sword Dance". During the dance, dancers energetically whirl and move their feet and arms in a complicated, choreographed manner to the tune of the music with various rhythms. The sticks (dandiyas) of the dance represent the swords of Durga.


Garbha is performed before Aarti (worshipping ritual) as devotional performances in the honor of the Goddess, while Dandiya is performed after it, as a part of merriment. Men and women join in for Dandiya Raas, and also for the Garbha. The circular movements of Dandiya Raas are much more complex than those of Garbha. The origin of these dance performances or Raas is Lord Krishna. Today, Raas is not only an important part of Navratri in Gujarat, but extends itself to other festivals related to harvest and crops as well.




Traditionally, it is performed during the nine-day Hindu festival Navarathri. Either the lamp (the Garbha Deep) or an image of the Goddess, Durga (also called Amba) is placed in the middle of concentric rings as an object of veneration. Along with Garbha, it is the featured dance of Navarathri evenings in Western India. During Navratri festival, in most of the cities of Gujarat people gather and perform Garbha dance.


Thus concluding I am here wishing every one a Prosperous Navarathri and a Grandiose Dashera. Lets recollect the wonderful love between Krishna and Radha and fill the air with the very essence of their love. Lets behold up on us the blessing of Durga and move with the tune…

Please Take Care :-)
Keep Smiling :-)

With Loads of Love,
Maddy.

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