Navratri is one of the most popular festivals in India, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Navratri literally means Nine Nights and these nights are dedicated to Durga worship. Dandiya Raas and Garba Raas are two dance forms that are performed during Navratri to appease and seek blessings of Goddess Durga. The origin of these dances can be traced back to the life of Lord Krishna.
Dandiya and Garba dances are performed in the honor of Goddess Durga and these dance forms stage the mock-fighting between the Goddess Durga and Mahishasura and also known as the dance of swords.
In modern India, Dandiya and Garba are considered more cultural events than those of religious events. But, these dance forms have religious significance and are dedicated to Goddess Durga. Due to the commercialization of these events, their religious significance is getting reduced. It should be remembered that Dandiya and Garba are not only for fun and self-enjoyment but devotional acts dedicated to the Goddess of power and valor.
Dandiya and Garba are two different forms of religious dance. Dandiya is done with the pair of colorfully decorated sticks which represent the swords of Goddess Durga while Garba is done with various hand and feet movements without any prop or aid.
Most of the Dandiya step requires an even number of people while in Garba there is no such requirement on the number of people.