On Saturday, October 12, the heart of Dubbo came alive with the rhythmic sounds of traditional Gujarati folk music as the Orana Gujarati Samaj NSW (OGSNSW), supported by ORISCON, celebrated a spectacular Garba Night at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre.
The event, which took place from 6-11:30pm, attracted more than 250 attendees from various parts of the Central West including Dubbo, Orange, Molong, Wellington, Peak Hill, Tomingley, Gilgandra, Nyngan and Walgett.
The evening was a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and joy, bringing together the Gujarati community and people from diverse backgrounds to experience a traditional Indian festival away from home.
Garba, a traditional dance form from the state of Gujarat in western India, has been celebrated for centuries, particularly during the nine-day Hindu festival of Navratri.
Garba is more than just a dance; it is an expression of devotion, joy, and cultural pride. The circular formation signifies the continuity of life, and as the dancers move in unison, it creates a powerful sense of community and togetherness.
The dance is traditionally performed in a circle around a lamp or an image of the goddess Durga, representing the cycle of life, from birth to death to rebirth.
The dance steps are rhythmic and graceful, involving intricate footwork, clapping, and twirling, all performed to the beat of folk music featuring drums and other traditional instruments.
