Gujrati Garba Songs: Garba dance dress to protect against Covid-19
Garba dance is famous in India, specially, in Gujarat during Navratri. The nine-day Navratri festivities start on Saturday and celebration without Garba is unimaginable. In a unique bid to enjoy Garba amid the raging Covid pandemic, a group of fashion designing students in Surat performed Garba wearing hand-painted costumes made of PPE material. Personal Protective Equipment or PPE overalls are a must for doctors and other healthcare workers looking after Covid patients. The Garba costumes in white are covered from head to toe just like the ones the doctors wear in hospitals. The novelty in the PPE Garba dress is the unique traditional motifs on the full-length skirts. The Garba costumes for men also have colourful images of 'Dandiya Raas'. The dupattas with sparkling mirror work add cheer to the PPE Garba costumes.
Garba events and gatherings have not been allowed this year by the Gujarat government during Navratri. The pomp and grandeur associated with Navratri in the state will be largely missing but people are being really creative so that they can enjoy safely.
The state government has issued a set of Covid-related guidelines for the Navratri season. Navratri in Gujarat usually sees large gatherings, which can lead to a spike in COVID-19 infections in the state, authorities said.
Garba 2020: Know more about Gujarat's famous Garba dance
Navratri is one of the most popular festivals of Gujarat. Garba events attract revellers from across the world. Garba is a popular folk dance of Gujarat and is performed with passion and fervour during Navratri. It has its origins in Gujarat and themed on folklore surrounding the nine forms of Goddess Durga. It is a high energy dance, performed on traditional Garba songs.
Traditionally women dancers wear colourful costumes while performing Garba and Dandiya. The costume is called a 'Chaniya choli', a three-piece dress with a blouse, long skirt and dupatta. They also wear heavy jewellery - earrings, bangles, necklaces, etc. Men wear 'kafni pyjamas' with a 'ghagra' or a short round kurta above the knees. Colourfil 'pagadi' or head gear is a must for men.
Garba comes from the Sanskrit word 'garbha' meaning the 'womb'. The traditional Garba dances are performed around centrally lit lamps or an idol of the Goddess Durga.
Navratri 2020: Wishing you safe and happy festive days!