New Delhi:
Dandiya Raas
Dandiya Raas is a traditional folk dance form of Vrindavan. Scenes of Holi, and lila of Krishna and Radha are depicting while performing this dance. Along with Garba, it is the featured dance of Navratra evenings in Western India. During Navratri festival, in most of the cities of Gujarat and in Mumbai, people gather and perform Garba dance.
History
The Dandiya Raas dance originated as devotional Garba dances and they were performed in the honour of Goddess Durga. Dandiya depicts a mock-fight between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura, the mighty demon-king. It is also known as "The Sword Dance", where the sticks represent the sword of Goddess Durga.
Costumes and music
Women wear traditional dresses such as colourful embroidered choli, ghagra and bandahni dupattas with beautiful jewellery, while men wear special turbans and kedias.
The dancers whirl and move their feet and arms in a choreographed manner to the tune of the music. Instruments such as dholak, tabla are used and the dancers dance to the beats.
Garba Raas
Garba dance form originated in Gujarat. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term Garbha (womb) and Deep (a small earthenware lamp).
Traditional garbas are performed around a centrally lit lamp or a picture or statue of the Goddess Shakti. Traditionally, garbas are performed during the nine-day Hindu festival Navaratra.
The Gujarati folk dance marks the celebration of the nine nights. Garba songs are typically related to Lord Krishna or the nine goddesses. Sanedo is a very popular garba song.
Costumes
The traditional costume colour of a Garba dancer is red, pink, yellow, orange, and brightly colored Chanya choli or ghagra choli; odhini with bandhani, Abla or with thick Gujarati borders.Heavy jewelry, such as necklaces, sparkling bangles, waist belts and long oxidized earrings are also worn by females.
Difference between Dandiya and Garba
Dandiya is played with Dandiyas (pair of colorfully decorated sticks), while in Garba, the dancers don't use sticks but various hand and feet movements. In Dandiya, most steps require even number of people, whereas in Garba, number of people are not limited.
