Navratri - The Art of Dancing

 

As fall descends upon the east cost of United States and makes people cringe at the thought of summer getting over, there is a community that is waiting all year just for autumn to begin. For autumn means Garba season is about to start. Garba is one form of Indian folk dance that has kept up with the times and have added flavor from the present era. From heart surgeons to hip hop kids, all ascend to the area school gyms or convention centers over the weekend to dance at the beats of the Dhol. 

Navratri is nine nights of garba, but we non-resident Indians have adjusted Navratri as per our schedule. Instead of nine successive nights, we celebrate it over four weekends. The working women and men, dressed in business casual clothes from 9 to 5, toss them aside as soon as they get home to garb themselves in stunning ghaghra/choli, kurta/pyjamas and head to temples, school gyms and arenas. Navratri is a medley of dance, fun, festivities, bonhomie and religious devotion. The resounding drumbeats, the chimes of the bell, the synchronized claps, everything comes in the perfect rhythm.

Garba’s are so electrifying, and mood is so contagious that spectators become performers. Being an ardent garba fan, I manage to shake a leg or two whenever I get a chance. It’s unfortunate that my passion for garba doesn’t reflect on my steps. A few of my friends & family have tried to teach me over the years and have lost hope. There is a famous Amitabh Bachchan dialogue, “Hum jahan khade ho jaate hain, line wahi se shuru hoti hain.” In my case, it’s the otherway round…”Hum jahan khade ho jaate hain, line wahi pe samapt ho jati hai.” But I don’t let my Sunny Deol syndrome stop me from enjoying the beats of the dhol.

This Navratri, let’s all bask in the glory of music and dance. Let the nine nights of Navratri pulsate with positive vibes and high energy.