What is Raas/Garba?

Raas and Garba are popular folk dances native to the state of Gujarat, located in Western India. These dances are traditionally performed during a nine-day festival called Navratri, a celebration in honor of the Goddess Amba. During Garba, a portrait of Amba, along with a lit diva (flame) is placed in the center of the circle while people dance around the deity clapping rhythmically to the melodies of traditional music.

Raas, a dance originally only performed by men, is also performed during Navratri. Raas is played with two wooden dowels called dandia that are hit together in synchronization with the beat of the accompanying song. Raas is an interactive and highly energetic dance that coordinates steps to move from partner to partner. The fusion of these two traditional dances has given rise to the high-energy modern dance form that is seen today in intercollegiate competitions around the world. These performances are artistically choreographed to include innovative steps, astonishing stunts, beautiful male-female interaction, and colorful costumes while keeping the essence of the classical dance form.