While Garbas are known to be one of the most enjoyable dance forms, with all kinds of music and orchestra, there is a unique tradition of 'Betha Garba' (Sitting Garba) among Nagar Brahmin community of Gujaratis. It does not have the pomp and grandeur of traditional Garba but it has its unique grace and pride, which is drawing even the young generation to it.
Traditional Garba consists of songs dedicated to Goddess Amba, music and dance, which have now replaced with Bollywood movie songs. On the contrary, in Betha Garba, members of the Nagar community gather at a pre-decided place, sing Garba songs dedicated to Goddess Amba with just a dholak or a 'Manjira'. "There is only one sentiment in this Garba, that is devotion to the Goddess. There are no folk Garba or filmy songs. Musical instruments include dholak and manjira. There is no orchestra," informed Durgesh Buch, who is the president of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Dr Jayant Vasavda, president of Shree Kutch – Saurashtra Vadnagara Nagar Mandal – Amdavad told DNA that earlier Nagars used to bring idols of Goddess Ámba to their homes, like the way people bring Ganesh idols now. So members of the community would come to have a darshan of the Goddess and seek her blessings. "People would then light diya, perform puja, aarti and sing Garba. This was in rooms of houses. So there was no place to dance. So people sat and sung hymns. The tradition continues even now," Vasavda told DNA.
Now prior to Navratri, community members would propose their names to the Mandal to host Garba for one night at their residences. It generally takes place between 8:30 pm and 10:30 pm. A list is then prepared and circulated. Members gather at the pre-decided place and conduct Garba. While it appears to be dull to onlookers, the tradition has found a strong bond even with the young generation, who regularly participate in this garba. 37-year old Payal Ghodadra told DNA that youngsters may not participate at all days but they make it a point to participate in at least three to four nights. "We have grown up participating in this Garba. So we are emotionally attached to it. I even take my 10-year old daughter with me. Even she enjoys," said Payal.
Vasavda said that there is no fixed rule that one cannot dance. "If you do not have space constraints and someone wants to dance, it is allowed. The tradition had begun because of space constraints in houses. There was no other reason for conducting Betha Garba," he clarified.
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