Ahmedabad, October 16, 2021: Marking Navratri celebrations at the school, Kalorex Group-run, Delhi Public School (DPS) – Bopal, Ahmedabad, on Thursday organised a webinar on ‘Pracheen Arwacheen Garba’. A popular folk dance from Gujarat, Garba has a magnificent history besides being a reason for nine nights of revelry through Navratri. Mr Kuldip Shukla, proprietor, Khanak Institute for Performing Arts, along with Ms Khushboo Shukla, co-founder of the institute addressed the students as part of the webinar. Joining the esteemed panelists were Mr Shardul Brahmachari, music teacher at DPS Bopal; Mr Ankit Dave, dance instructor at DPS Bopal, Mr Kuldeep Thakor, student of DPS Bopal. The session was moderated by Mr Unmesh Dixit, officer on Special Duty, Kalorex Group.
Highlighting the history of Garba during his address, Mr Dave said, “As the cycle of time revolves from birth to death to rebirth again, the only thing that remained constant is the divine power. Therefore, Garba is performed in a circle as a symbol of time and to honour the fact that all humans have the divine energy within them.”
He cited and spoke of various fables and tales related to the origin of Garba.
Mr Shukla on the other hand, spoke about the evolution of Garba as a folk dance form. “Traditionally, the dance is performed around a clay lantern with a light inside which symbolizes life. The word Garba has originated from Sanskrit language. Earlier dance was performed in concentric circles and the entire group performed only one dance step in sync with the beat, gradually catching up speed.”
“Modern Garba, on the other hand is influenced by Dandiya Raas. In ancient times, there was a culture of Baitha Garba which involved songs dedicated only to the divine feminine,” he said.
Besides a peek into history, the speakers also gave a beautiful performance. Ms Shukla gave a vibrant garba performance whereas Mr Brahmachari performed some melodious songs, leaving the participants enthused and spell-bound.
Mr Thakor spoke about his journey and how his dance performances have gained popularity among youngsters and that they should be encouraged to take interest in Garba as well. The webinar was attended by Students, staffers and parents of DPS Bopal and was well-received by one and all.
For more information, please contact Mr Unmesh Dixit @ 9825006905
