In Gujarat the most celebrated festival is the Navaratri, that leads to the Dussehra. Navratri, which is popularly known as Navratra, is a ten day festival which embarks on the first night of the Ashwini month, as per the Hindu calender. In these ten days the whole country is filled with the festive mood and color.



The most popular activity during this festival lies in the Garba, a famous dance form that is carried on all through the night. Ad-lib societies are formed in which people of all faiths join in. The garb of the dancers comprises colorful swirling skirts. The backdrop of the area is supposed to change everyday and so is the case with the dancing steps. The Dandiya dance is perhaps the most rejoiced. With sticks which has trinkets attached at ends are held in both the hands. These are the only accouterments that one needs to indulge in this dance. One is not supposed to repeat the dance steps and the same applies on the dresses.

The jingling sound produced by the striking of these sticks give a very soothing rhythmic pattern. The dance too follows as rhythmic pattern that changes with the beats of the music. The patterns formed by the dancers with their partners is quite complicated. Generally performed in circles, these circle keeps breaking sometimes into two concentric circles and sometimes into three or four circles within the orbit of a larger circle. There is formation of complex patterns and the dancers are free to move their sticks in independent positions and directions.

With distinctive patterns, the Garba is the most cherished folk dance of the Gujrati women. The songs are often antediluvian and melodious and the sweeping gestures of the dancers makes it a beautiful dance to witness.

This is the biggest festive occasion in Gujarat and preparation in advance is mandatory. From nearly a month before the festive days shopping begins. Buying new accessories, be it a car or gold or even utensils is considered pious.