Here, the middle-class dances to garba beats in ‘free’ spirit

Nagpur: The garba glitz is in all its glory and people of all age groups are gyrating to the dhol beats while chanting ‘Jaikara sherawali da, bol sache darbar ki jay’ and ‘Jai Mata Di’. But unlike major garba events where there is paid entry, here the access is free. The venue is Chakradhar Nagar ground in south Nagpur and it’s the second year of the Raas Garba Mahotsav organized by Shrimati Radhika Tai Pandav Charitable Trust and Swargiya Purshottam (Bapu Mate) Vayamshala. Girish Pandav, founder president of the trust, says the motto is to provide the best garba experience to all, specially the middle class for whom it has become difficult to afford entry tickets of paid garbas. “Ours is an open garba. People from different communities come and play garba. Today we have Punjabi, Maharashtrian, South Indian and Gujarati groups,” he said.Akansha Marathe, a college student, finds it one of the best places for garba with friends. “Some organisers are charging more than ₹1,000 per day entry fee which we can’t afford. But here, our parents don’t have to worry about buying tickets when they are already burdened with other expenses,” he said. Besides Chakradhar Nagar, the trust organises garba simultaneously at Old Subhedar Layout, Bhagwan Nagar, Reshimbagh, Manewada, Hudkeshwar, Nandanvan and Ramna Maroti, informed organising committee member Akshay Hete. Another organising committee member Mahesh Bante said the daily garba participants at Chakradhar Nagar ground are capped at 2,200. “Ten prizes are given in different categories like best garba player, best group, best senior citizen, best kid, best couple etc,” he said.

Garba is the new zumba for festive fitness freaks

Fitness enthusiasts have found a new way to burn calories during Navratri: power garba. This intense form of traditional folk dance incorporates elements of cardio, muscular strength, and body composition. Power garba classes see a surge in popularity before the festival, with participants of all ages attending. Many have reported losing weight and improving endurance and flexibility through this workout. The music adds to the excitement, making garba both therapeutic and enjoyable.

Ras Garba adds to Navratri joy in Hyderabad

The Navratri celebrations in Hyderabad are in full swing, with the Gujarati community organizing grand events across the city. The festivities include traditional Ras Garba performances and the lighting of clay lanterns called Garbis. Organizers have seen a significant increase in footfall, with people from all faiths joining in the celebrations. To make the occasion even more special, a variety of Gujarati delicacies and cultural artifacts have been introduced. Some organizers are also using the platform to spread social messages and support charitable causes.

Garba Couture Ups Fashion Quotient This Navratri

Garba dancers in Nagpur are embracing the latest fashion trends by incorporating unique colors, fancy designs, and elaborate embroideries into their traditional chaniya choli dresses. Fashion designers have noticed an increase in requests for bolder designs and variations, with backless cholis no longer being looked down upon. Comfort and synchronization with body shape are also important factors in dress design. Certain colors, such as pastels, are making a big impact, while metallic colors are considered too overwhelming. Customized dresses can range in price from 3,000 to 10,000 rupees, with the option to rent also available.