On September 26th and 27th, several students and families across Prince George joined the Garba celebration at UNBC’s Northern Sports Centre. The two-day event was filled with the enthusiastic fervor of music and dance, connecting the Indian community to the cultural essence of their homeland.
Garba, popularized for its joyful energy and vibrancy, is a folk dance that originates from the state of Gujarat, India. More than just a form of dance, Garba serves as a profound ritual and communal celebration, especially during the auspicious nine-night festival of Navratri. Navratri celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil demon, Mahishasura. During these days, devotees across India observe fasts, pray, and celebrate within their communities in the form of Garba and Dandiya.
In recognition of its cultural depth, Garba was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023.
The word ‘Garba’ derives from the Sanskrit word “Garbha,” literally meaning “womb.” Traditionally, Garba is performed as a devotional tribute to Goddess Durga, the universal divine mother and source of all creation and power (Shakti).
This dance is performed in concentric patterns around an earthen pot with a lantern inside called ‘Garbha Deep’ (Womb lamp). There is a beautiful interpretation behind this tradition. The clay vessel symbolizes a ‘womb,’ while the light inside the vessel represents the presence of the ‘divine feminine.’ In another sense, Garba highlights the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. While the dancers move in circles and enjoy the music and dance of “life,” the origin of life and the ultimate truth, the presence of Goddess Durga, remains constant, like the ‘Garbha Deep.’ These graceful steps, rhythmic claps, and coordination celebrate the divine feminine, the source of life.
The Garba evenings at the NSC were filled with boundless energy and joy as friends joined hands, danced together, and reveled in the festive spirit. The celebrations reached their peak with the lively beats of the final ‘Sanedo’ performance, leaving smiles on every face and hearts full of nostalgia. For many, it was a moment of reconnecting with the rhythms and warmth of their homeland. A special thanks goes to the Shah Brothers Convenience Store, the event organizer, and to Chopped Leaf, the generous sponsor, for making this vibrant celebration possible.
