Bengalureans step up to learn garba & dandiya this Navratri

Navratri is in full swing, and Bengalureans are participating in workshops to hone their garba and dandiya skills and get ready to join the festivities. The city is abuzz as people prepare to don colourful attires and groove to the beats of the traditional dance form. From community gatherings to grand events, Bengaluru is set to witness a display of culture and celebration this weekend.“Social media has played a significant role in popularising garba and dandiya. By showcasing the fun and communal aspects of these activities, it has encouraged more people to participate. Also, the growing interest in fitness has made garba, essentially a cardio, more appealing,” says Amisha Jhawar, a dance choreographer.
‘Garba is a therapeutic experience’
Many participants return every year, drawn to the joy, connection, and sense of community that garba provides. The informal group setting, the use of props like dandiya sticks, and the variety of styles — all contribute to the appeal of these workshops,” says Amisha, who hosts dance workshops in the city.

‘The Navratri spirit is truly infectious and exhilarating’
Sheena Chaudhary, a choreographer in the city, shares that dandiya and garba are primarily seasonal dances, and that people tend to start practicing closer to the event to enhance their memory of the steps and improve their performance or just to get into the spirit of the festival. “Both men and women participate, but there are typically more women. Most of the steps are gender-neutral, so men don’t feel shy. And to cater to all skill levels, I teach the steps in a simplified manner with some choreography. The workshops are a great vibe — you have people laughing, smiling, and generally just having fun,” she says.
‘Dance has the power to bring people of all communities together’
Bijal J Shah, a Zumba instructor, notes, “One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had while teaching dandiya and garba was witnessing all my students — not just Gujaratis — dancing with the same energy and enthusiasm, while being fully immersed in the rhythm. It was a beautiful display of unity and joy, and it reminded me of the power of dance; one that can bring people together, regardless of age or skill level.
‘It’s a natural workout’
Sheena, who started dandiya and garba classes two weeks in advance, shares, “It’s a natural workout, because you’re doing squats, stretching your arms, and engaging your neck. It’s a full-body workout. I always begin any class with a warm-up before transitioning to the techniques. Given the sedentary nature of modern lifestyles, especially those involving laptops and corporate work, it’s crucial to relax first. Jumping into the dance without a warm-up can lead to injuries, especially for beginners.
‘Demand to learn garba and dandiya keeps growing every year’
Brothers Nimesh and Mohit Chhag have been conducting dandiya and garba workshops in Bengaluru and across India for 14 years. “We’ve consistently seen growing demand. Every year, there’s a desire for new styles, steps, and more classes. To meet this increasing interest, we’ve expanded our network of workshops and centres, making it easier for people to participate. We’ve also offered workshops at different times to accommodate various schedules,” says Mohit.

Tips for beginners:
Practice makes perfect: The more you practise, the more comfortable you’ll become with the steps and rhythm.
Watch and learn: Observe experienced dancers to pick up on their technique and style.
Relax and enjoy: Garba is meant to be fun! Don’t worry about being perfect; just let yourself go and enjoy the music.
Garba etiquette:
When participating in garba, it’s important to be respectful of others. Avoid pushing or bumping into other dancers, and be mindful of your surroundings.
What to wear?
Garba dancers often wear colourful and vibrant costumes. Traditionally, women wear cholis and ghagras, adorned with intricate embroidery and embellishments. Men typically wear kurtas and dhotis. However, modern-day garba attire can vary widely, reflecting the diversity of cultures and styles.