PM Narendra Modi pens garba song ‘Aavati Kalay’; here’s what it means

It is the auspicious time of Navratri and people are celebrating in different ways, united by their devotion to Maa Durga. In this spirit of reverence and joy, here is #AavatiKalay, a Garba I wrote as a tribute to Her power and grace. May Her blessings always remain upon us. pic.twitter.com/IcMydoXWoR

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2024

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to Purva Mantri, an emerging and talented singer, for her soulful rendition of the song.

Garba, a traditional folk dance from Gujarat, is performed as an ode to Goddess Amba, especially during the nine-night festival of Navratri. Notably, in December 2023, Garba was officially recognised on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity, marking its global cultural significance.

I thank Purva Mantri, a talented upcoming singer, for singing this Garba and presenting such a melodious rendition of it. #AavatiKalay

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2024

Here’s the English translation of the song

Mahendra Andani of the Shree Patel Ras Mandali, explained the significance of the song, “Modiji evokes mother nature and says, from the earth to the river and the sky, they’re all our mother, and how we must protect her. He also invites the Goddess to bless those of us performing Garba under the moon during the nine days of Navratri.”

Andani translated the song for us: ‘She’s coming: Aavati Kaley’

Spokesperson (Male): Oh, Mother, you, come, Mother, come. Your devotees ask, “Mother, who are you?” Then we feel like saying, “You are the one who gives life, you are the one who sustains life. The brilliance of the sun and the coolness of the moon are you, Mother.”

You take care of us in happiness and sorrow, pat us, rock us to sleep, hug us, and teach us lessons when we make mistakes. Such is you, Mother.

Mother Amba, Jagadamba, is my mother. You are the mother of the entire universe. These young ones are seeking your new form. So, let me tell you who my mother is…

Female Singer: The earth is my mother, nature is my mother, the river is my mother, the sky is my goddess… You are in the trees, you are in the plough, you are in every particle, you are in the desert, you are in the water, you are in the mind, you are present in every moment of the home.

You are the embodiment of compassion, the goddess of destruction, the ocean of kindness, every form is the goddess… You come running for me… Today, my Jagadamba comes to play… Today, my Jagadamba comes to play.

Spokesperson (Male): Ah… Mother has come, come, come! Look at the Mother’s form, brothers. Her vision blinds our eyes with radiance, and today, my Jagadamba is coming. Yes, today, my Jagadamba is coming.

Chorus: Praise my Amba, Jai Jai Amba (3 times)

Female Singer: Appears to be coming, Mother appears to be coming… Today my Mother appears to be coming.

Chorus: She is coming… (4 times)

Female Singer: There are stars in the sky, and the sky is like her veil; today my Jagadamba appears to be coming. The lamps of Garba are shining today my Amba appears to be coming…

Spokesperson (Male): Ah… my mother…

Female Singer: Sanatan (eternal) will awaken, Sanatan is the light, the whole world’s devotion is to you, Mother. Mother has come to play, the night is bright; the radiant new night.

Today, my heart is filled with joy, today my Jagadamba appears to be coming… today my…

Male Singer: Ah… you are our Mother, and we are your children. Take care of us, Jagadamba. Cut away the sorrows and fill our lives with blessings. Mother, bring welfare to the nation and the world… the nation and the world…

Female Singer: The crops in the fields are swaying, and this is Bharat Mata’s victory cry.

Tonight, the fading night looks bright, and the earth is showered with the nectar of immortality.

Mother appears today; Mother appears today… Today, my Jagadamba appears to be coming…

Male, Female, and Chorus all sing together: Today, my Jagadamba “appears to be coming.”