Navratri is the most famous festival of Gujarat around the world. Navratri is group of ‘nine nights’, where Gujarati people enjoy festival with joy and religious, for nine nights. This is an ancient and colorful festival. Navratri honors the one Divine Shakti or Force which supports the entire universe, and is personified as the Mother Goddess. She protects her worshippers, destroys evil and grants boons to her children. This Navratri festival is essentially religious in nature.

The most Interesting point is the Ras-Garba, a circular dance executed by men and women around an ceramic pot called a Garbo. A silver coin is placed within the pot, called a Kumbh, and coconut has also been placed on the top. As the performers circle the pot, a singer and a drummer provide the musical. The participants clap in a steady rhythm. Nowadays, loudspeakers are used to enhance the sound which grows to loudness. The Garbo normally starts slowly, and it becomes faster and faster as the music too becomes more fast. Gujarat is famous for its Ras-Garba around the world.

Another interesting feature of Navaratri is the Dandia Ras, in which men and women join the dance in circle with Dandia (a small wooden stick). In this dance, men and women strike the Dandias together and the singer and drummer make it more exciting. The Ras-Garba is so popular around the Gujarat, so some people and companies are now held the competitions. Also Big Prizes are given to the winner in various categories, like the Traditional, Style of Dance, Best Dandia-Ras Couple, Best Garba Style and more. All the winners are judged by the selected judges. Nowadays, Ras-Garba is held in the Party Plots, Clubs, Farm and taking entrance fees for the Ras-Garba. Some of the Singer and the drummer are so popular because of the Ras-Garba. The Dances normally starts at night and continues to early morning.

“Navratri is thus the festival that combines religious, devotional, cultural and recreational activities for almost a fortnight.”