In the olden times small - big, holed earthen pots are kept on one another in front of the Goddess on the first night. A lamp with four lit wicks was placed in the first pot and the lamp was uninterruptedly kept lit. Rounds of dance were performed around the lamp. There are two types of folk dances performed during 'Garba'. The dance preformed by the males standing in a circle singing while clapping with simple feet movement is called as 'Garbi' and the dance performed by females with delicate body gesticulations is called as 'Garba'. The songs praising Amba, Kalika, Randalmaa and other goddess are sung during 'Garba'. At that time in order to generate chivalry instruments like drum and clarion are used. Over a period of time there was dance on songs based on Krishnaleela, composed by saints, description of seasons, or related to social issues. Instead of claps and pinches there was use of instruments like Khanjiri, Manjiri and stack of lamps being used in the dance.
The organizer of Garba program for the last 55 years Shri. Nyaas from Kolhapur in this context says 'Mother Goddess protected us by slaying the Demon. We cannot pay her back; so in order to gratify her, to please her, this dance is performed. This dance is a form of worship to please the goddess like Kirtan and Bhajan'. |
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