Garaa is a famous religious dance of
Gujarat. The word ‘garaa’ literally means a pot, which is used for votive purpose. This dance, performed exclusively by women, is believed to be the predecessor of the well-known Dandia Raas dance.
The Garaa dance, performed every year for nine nights, is dedicated to Goddess Amba Mata, who is better known as Goddess Durga. This dance involves a group of 50 to 100 women. The steps include a series of circular movements, in which the women bend, turn and clap their hands. There is also an occasional snapping of fingers. The dancers dance to the tunes of the songs dedicated to the goddess.
