Garba takes over Gujarat as Navratri begins

Garba is a dance form that originated in Gujarat. Garba is mostly performed around a centrally lit lamp or a picture or statue of the Goddess Shakti. The circular and spiral figures of Garba have similarities to other spiritual dances. Traditionally, it is performed during the nine-day festival Navarātrī.
Women dressed in traditional attire practice Garba dance as they prepare to celebrate Navratri in Ahmedabad. (Source: AP)

Women dressed in traditional attire practice Garba dance as they prepare to celebrate Navratri. (Source: AP)

Artists perform Garba at a programme on the first day of Navratri festival in Mumbai. (Source: AP)

Women dressed in traditional attire take part in grand rehearsals for the 'vibrant Garba' dance ahead of the Navratri festival in Ahmedabad. (Source: PTI)

Artists take part in grand rehearsals for the 'vibrant Garba' dance ahead of the Navratri festival in Ahmedabad. (Source: PTI)

Women practice for the Garba dance ahead of the Navratri festival in Ahmedabad. (Source: PTI)

Women clad in traditional 'ghagra choli' practice the 'Garba' dance ahead of Navratri festival in Ahmedabad. (Source: PTI)

Women practice for the Garba dance ahead of the Navratri festival in Ahmedabad. (Source: PTI)

Dancers wearing traditional clothes practice Garba ahead of the Navratri festival in Ahmedabad. (Source: PTI)

Women clad in traditional 'ghagra choli' practice the 'Garba' dance with earthen pots on their head, ahead of Navratri festival in Ahmedabad. (Source: PTI)