A 200-Year-Old Curse and Men Dancing Garba in Sarees: Watch the Viral Video and Discover This Mysterious Tradition

During the recent Navratri celebrations, a unique ritual from Ahmedabad drew widespread attention. In Sadu Mata Ni Pol, men dressed in sarees performed Garba as part of a centuries-old tradition. Known as Saduma na Garba, the ritual takes place every year on the eighth night of Navratri and has gone viral once again after a video of the performance surfaced online.
The legend that shaped the custom
This ritual is believed to be more than 200 years old and goes back to the story of Saduben. According to the tale, and as explained in a report by the Hindustan Times, a Mughal nobleman wanted her as a concubine, and she asked the men of the Barot community to protect her. But when no one came forward to help, she lost her child. Heartbroken, she cursed the men, saying their future generations would lack courage. Soon after, she performed sati, and her curse has been remembered ever since.
Saree Garba as a form of penance
To this day, men of the Barot community wear sarees and perform Garba around the temple to express repentance and devotion. Their movements, performed with rhythm and folded hands, are seen as a symbolic way to honour Saduben and to continue the act of penance tied to the ancient curse.
Reel from the celebration goes viral
This year, the saree Garba was captured in a reel posted by Awesome Amdavad on Instagram with the caption, “Saree Garba Ritual at Sadu Mata Ni Pol in Amdavad.” Shared on September 30, 2025, the video quickly spread online, gaining millions of views and thousands of likes.
Social media responds
Viewers flooded the comments section with admiration and respect for the ritual. One user wrote, “And some people were mocking a minister by making him wear a saree… They need to watch this video!!! Jai mata di.”

Another person commented, “A 200-year-old tradition where men from the Barot community dress as women as an act of penance and apology for their inability to protect Saduma.”

A third remark read, “This is to teach men humility and respect for women. Something like this happens in some places of Bengal as well.”
History and devotion intertwined
For many online, the saree-clad Garba stood out as more than just a festival performance. The centuries-old ritual was seen as a powerful reminder of how devotion and history remain closely tied, carrying forward a story that continues to be remembered through tradition.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a viral Instagram video, user comments, and information from online media sources and local folklore. The Times of India does not independently verify the content or assume responsibility for its accuracy. It is shared purely for informational purposes and is not intended to hurt sentiments or cause offense.