Garba In Gujarat: UNESCO Recognition, Cultural Significance And Economic Impact

Source: Indian Express
GS I: Indian Heritage and Culture

Why in the News?

Garba, the traditional devotional dance of Gujarat performed during Navratri, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2023. Over time, it has evolved from a community-based religious practice into a major cultural and economic activity.

News in Brief

• Garba is a traditional folk dance associated with the worship of Goddess Amba during Navratri.
• It was recognised by UNESCO in December 2023 for its cultural and social significance.
• Traditionally performed by women in homes and temple courtyards, Garba has expanded into large public celebrations across geographical and cultural boundaries.
• Modern Garba events support livelihoods in music, dance, handicrafts, fashion, event management and related industries.

Origin and religious significance

• The words Garba is derived from the Sanskrit word Garbhadeep, referring to an earthen pot containing a lamp.
• The pot symbolizes the human body, while the lamp inside represents the divine soul.
• Garba is associated with the worship of feminine energy or Shakti, particularly Goddess Amba.
• The establishment of the Ambaji Shaktipeeth is associated with the growth of goddess worship through Garba in Gujarat.
• The tradition is linked to Gujarat’s historical dynasties, agrarian communities and local cultural practices.

Traditional practices

• Traditionally, women performed Garba during Navratri in their homes and temple courtyards.
• Rituals included sthapana (installation of the goddess or Mataji), aarti and devotional dancing.
• Garba songs and dance forms were passed down orally through generations, particularly among women in families and communities.
• The exact historical origin of Garba songs is difficult to establish because of their oral transmission.

Garba and related dance forms

• Garba is associated with other traditional Gujarati dance forms, including Dandiya Rass.
• These dances use rhythmic movements, circular formations and traditional music.
• Garba is also performed to folk songs accompanied by instruments such as the dhol and other traditional musical instruments.

Evolution of Garba

• Garba has evolved significantly while retaining its devotional character.
• Traditional community celebrations now coexist with large, theme-based Navratri events.
• Contemporary music, changing fashion trends and new performance styles have influenced modern Garba.
• Events are organized by social groups, Yuvak Mandals, residential associations, clubs and professional event planners.
• Eco-friendly celebrations and events dedicated to pet animals reflect the emergence of new forms of participation.
• Despite these changes, the circular dance and its association with feminine energy remain central to the tradition.

Oral traditions and cultural preservation

• Graba’s survival depends largely on oral transmission and community participation.
• Folk singers and families have preserved traditional Garba songs across generations.
• Jitu Bhagat, started the Sri Jitu Bhagat Satsang Mandali in Ahmedabad in 1949.
• His son, Atul Brahmbhatt, explained how traditional Garba compositions were preserved through memory and continued community practice.
• The Valabha and Dhola brothers are credited with composing the Anand no Garbo, a traditional composition that continues to be sung.

Garba as an economic enterprise

• Modern Navratri celebrations have developed into a significant economic activity involving several sectors.
  • Event management: Organising large-scale celebrations and managing venues.
  • Music and entertainment: Singers, musicians, choreographers and performers.
  • Technical services: Sound systems, lighting and stage arrangements.
  • Handicrafts: Potters, blacksmiths and carpenters producing items used in celebrations.
  • Textiles and jewellery: Traditional clothing, ornaments and accessories.
  • Education and design: Courses in dance, music, costume and ornament design, landscape planning, and sound and light design.
• Thus, Garba demonstrates how a traditional cultural practice can create employment and support local enterprises.

Significance of Garba

Garba represents;

• Religious significance- Devotion to Goddess Amba and the worship of Shakti.
• Cultural identity- A distinctive expression of Gujarat’s folk traditions.
• Social cohesion- Collective participation that brings communities together.
• Women’s role in cultural preservation- Women have traditionally played an important role in transmitting Garba songs and rituals.
• Economic value- Livelihood opportunities for artisans, performers and service providers.
• Cultural continuity- Adaptation to modern preferences while retaining traditional elements.

Challenges in preserving folk traditions

• The commercialization of cultural festivals can create concerns about the loss of their original meaning.
• Other challenges include declining interest in traditional compositions, reduced transmission of oral traditions and the possibility of local variations being overshadowed by commercial performances.
• Preservation efforts should therefore balance innovation with respect for the religious, historical and community roots of Garba.

Conclusion

Garba shows how India’s living cultural traditions can adapt to modern times while preserving their identity. Balancing commercial growth with community participation and authenticity is essential for sustaining this heritage for future generations.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper I – Indian Heritage and Culture: Salient aspects of Indian art forms; Indian culture covering significant aspects of performing arts.
• Prelims: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Garba, and traditional folk dances.
• GS Paper III – Indian Economy: Employment generation, creative industries and the economic potential of cultural activities.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements about Garba:

1. Garba is traditionally associated with the worship of Goddess Amba during Navratri.
2. Garba was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023.
3. The preservation of Garba depends exclusively on written historical records.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

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