Navratri, also spelled Navaratri or Navarathri, is a multi-day Hindu festival celebrated in the autumn every year. It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian subcontinent. Navratri not only symbolises the victory of good over evil (Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasur) but also celebrates the spirit of Indian culture in its togetherness. Garba is a dance form originated in Gujarat, performed during Navratri - a 9-day festival of Goddess Durga. It is also known as Garbi, Garbha or Garbha Deep. In 'Garbha Deep', the word 'Garbha' is a Sanskrit term, which means womb and 'Deep' means little earthen lamps.
Garba is usually performed in a circle around a big lamp or the statue of Goddess Shakti. Garba is often confused with Dandiya, which is another dance form of Gujarat performed during Navratri, but originated in Vrindavan. The major difference between the two dance forms is that Garba is performed in circular movements with hands and feet, while Dandiya is played with colorful sticks.
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