Dandiya
It is very simple dance and is performed by a group who move in circles to measure steps, marking time by sticks called dandia. Dandiya are the featured dances of Navratri evenings in Gujarat.
The sticks of the dance represent the sword of Durga. Women normally perform it in a graceful and rhythmic manner in a circle as they rotate around the 'mandvi'.
The women wear traditional dresses such as colorful embroidered choli, ghagra and bandhani dupattas dazzling with mirror work and heavy jewellery.
The main difference between the 'Garba' and 'Dandiya' dance performances is that Garba is performed before 'Aarti' while Dandiya is performed after it. Garba is performed exclusively by women, men and women join in for Dandiya.
Also known as 'stick dance' as performers use a pair of colorfully decorated sticks as props, the circular movements of Dandiya Raas are slightly more complex than that of Garba.
Origin of Dandiya Raas
Originating as devotional Garba dances, which were always performed in Durga’s honour, this dance form is actually the staging of a mockfight between the Goddess and Mahishasura, the mighty demon-king, and is nicknamed “The Sword Dance”. During the dance, dancers energetically whirl and move their feet and arms in a complicated, choreographed manner to the tune of the music with various rhythms. Dhol is used as well as complementary percussion instruments such as dholak, tabla, bongos and others.
The sticks (dandiyas) of the dance represent the swords of Durga. The women wear traditional dresses such as colorful embroidered choli, ghagra and bandhani dupattas (traditional attire) dazzling with mirror work and heavy jewellery. The men wear special turbans and kedias, but this varies regionally.
Garba is performed before Aarti (worshipping ritual) as devotional performances in the honor of the Goddess, while Dandiya is performed after it, as a part of merriment. Men and women join in for Dandiya Raas, and also for the Garba. The circular movements of Dandiya Raas are much more complex than those of Garba. The origin of these dance performances or Raas is Krishna. Today, Raas is not only an important part of Navratri in Gujarat, but extends itself to other festivals related to harvest and crops as well. The Mers of Saurastra are noted to perform Raas with extreme energy and vigor.
The women wear traditional dresses such as colorful embroidered choli, ghagra and bandhani dupattas, which is the traditional attire, dazzling with mirror work and heavy jewellery. The men wear special turbans and kedias, but can range from area to area. The dancers whirl and move their feet and arms in a choreographed manner to the tune of the music with a lot of drum beats. The dhol is used as well as complementary percussion instruments such as the dholak, tabla, et cetera. the true dance gets extremely complicated and energetic. Both of these dances are associated with the time of harvest.