Navratri is one of the most cherished Hindu festivals, celebrating the divine feminine and the triumph of good over evil. The word Navratri means “nine nights,” during which devotees honor Goddess Durga and her many forms, remembering her victory over the demon Mahishasura.
A beloved tradition of Navratri is Garba, a folk dance that originated in Gujarat, India. The word Garba comes from Garbha, meaning womb or life within. Traditionally, dancers move in a circle around a clay lamp called a Garbha Deep, symbolizing the divine energy that sustains life.
Garba celebrations often begin with a prayer or Aarti for Ambe Maa, the Mother Goddess. As the music begins, circles of dancers form, creating a joyful rhythm of claps, steps, and movement.
At Sanskriti, Garba is more than a dance—it is a celebration of culture, community, and the traditions that bring us together.