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How has Garba evolved from a devotional dance dedicated to the goddess Durga into a global symbol of Indian culture, and what social, political, and technological changes influenced this transformation?
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Garba began in the ancient times of Gujarat as a religious dance in Navratri to invoke goddess Durga. Garba comes from the Sanskrit word garbha, meaning "womb," and signifies creation and fertility. The dancers danced in a circle around the lamp (garbo), which represented the divine female energy. Traditional Garba was a simple, religious, barefoot ritual dancing, clapping, and singing in devotion, which speaks of the close link between religion, nature, and community living.
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Over time, Garba found its way into village life and temple celebrations. It was a harvest celebratory dance of oneness and faith, increasingly by women in colorful attire. The folk songs told stories of gods and goddesses, and circular movement symbolized the cycle of life. Others like Raas Garba, using sticks (dandiya), evolved to celebrate Durga's battles against evil forces. The dance became religious as well as social in nature and strengthened its hold on society.
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Under British rule, traditional arts like Garba fell under the category of "folk entertainment" and were scorned upon. Indian reformers, however, revived Garba as a symbol of national pride and anti-colonial resistance. It became a manifestation of national and religious identity, wherein songs and dances expressed deification of the goddess and nationalism towards the nation. Garba started being performed at public festivals and events to commemorate the richness of Gujarat's culture.
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Post-independence in 1947, Garba became a renowned part of India's rich cultural heritage. Garba was promoted in schools, community gatherings, and state-sponsored activities. Men began taking part too, and performances became more formalized with conventional musical tools like dhol and tabla. Colorful dress and formal movement gave Garba an added artistic dimension, making it a source of Gujarati pride and national unity.
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Migration within India and abroad spread Garba all over the world. Gujaratis who resided in urban cities and abroad organized Navratri nights to hold on to their heritage. Garba emerged as a strong means for communities to stay connected to destinations like the UK, US, and Canada. Cassette tapes and local radio widened the reach of Garba music, and globalization impacts started reaching the dance. Garba evolved into a symbol of identity and belongingness among the diaspora.
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Bollywood movies like Ram-Leela and Loveyatri popularized Garba globally. DJs started remixing traditional numbers with electronic beats, producing lively fusions. Garba competitions in universities and cultural festivals gained popularity, where creativity and teamwork were on display. The dance form was no longer exclusive, and non-Gujarati participants from various backgrounds joined in.
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Today, Garba thrives both in person and online. During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual Garba nights connected dancers across continents. Social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok have made Garba accessible to global audiences, inspiring new styles and collaborations. In 2023, Garba was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, confirming its importance as a living tradition that unites spirituality, art, and global community.