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| Folk Dances of Gujarat |
Bhavai is a typical dance drama of Gujarat. The name Bhavai comes from the Sanskrit word "Bhava" which means emotions or feelings. It generally depicts the story and struggles of daily life.
Dandiya Raas
Dandiya Raas is the traditional folk dance of Gujarat and neighboring state Rajasthan. It is associated with the story of Lord Krishna and Radha. It is generally performed during Holi and Navratri.
Garba
Garba is one of the most popular folk dances of Gujarat. The name "Garba" comes from the Sanskrit word "Garbha" for womb. Garba is performed around a clay lamp or Deep. This clay lamp represents the life (or fetus in particular). This dance is performed in the honor of Durga during Sharada Navratri.
Garbi
Similar to Garba dance, Garbi dance is performed in the honor of Goddess Amba, but it is only performed by the men. It is a sort of war dance. In the early days, when the army men return home victorious, they used to dance with the rhythm of songs sung by a narrator raising the toast to commemorate the event.
Hudo
Hudo is a beautiful Gujarati folk dance. It is the folk dance of Bharwad Tribe, the shepherd community of Gujarat. In Hudo, dancers mimic sheep fights. The movements of two sheep ramming their heads are duplicated. Dancers clap their hands in a forceful and rhythmic manner. It is open to both men and women. There is also a tradition of selecting partners at the end of the dance.
Kahalya Nritya
Kahalya Nritya or also known as the Dangi Nritya is a dance of Dangi community, a tribal community of Gujarat. The tribal dance takes its name from the musical instrument which accompanies the dance, Kahalya. It is generally performed during the festival and social gatherings.
Padhar
Padhar is one of the prominent folk dances of Gujarat. It is performed by the members of Padhar community. In the dance, dancers hold a pair of sticks in their hands. They mimic rowing of boats and sing songs associated with water and their daily life.
Tippani
Tippani is associated with the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. It is very popular among labor classes of the coastal region. It is said, after a grueling day of work, people used to dance by striking the floor with sticks and singing about their day.
Spudu
The dance takes it name from the grain cleaning basket, Spudu. Like Tippani, it is one of many Gujarati dances which celebrates the working life of villagers.
Also Read: Folk Dances of India