Young men and women are dressed at their best during this festive season. Women wear bright coloured Chaniya Cholis and men wear Kedias. Chaniya Cholis are hand embroidered and embedded with mirrors, shells and anything that goes with it. Women go to great extents experimenting on decorative accessories and jewellery that are a mix of traditional Gujarat and modern-day fashion.

Here is all you need to get the 'Gavthi' look:

Chaniya Choli: Chaniya choli is divided into three parts: Chaniya, Choli and Odhni. Chaniya is the long flowing skirt worn by women. Chaniya is also worn by women for other occasions like marriages etc. But the difference between Navratri Chaniyas and Chaniya’s worn during weddings is that mostly the Navratri Chaniyas are heavy with embroidered mirror works whereas The flare of chaniya needs to be very long at least 9 meters in width such that it produces some admirable twirls when the dancer turns around. Whereas traditional Chaniyas designed for weddings or for other formal wears are embroidered with either pearl, sequin, silk or zari and also those channiyas are not free flowing rather they are umbrella shaped. These Chaniyas can either be made of cotton, silk, chiffon, organza or satin cloth whereas for marriage like occasions Chaniya Cholis in brocade are preferred.

Choli worn by women is blouse which can be as traditional as long blouse extending below the waist as loose blouse or it can be as fashionable as short blouse that may just lie above the waist or it can be short with backless tie-ups called Bandni Choli or backless choli. Ethnic appearance of the Choli is enhanced by Embroidery, sequins, crystals, kundan stones, zardosi, and aari, thread work, mirror work etc. Choli designers today not only caters to the Indian audience but they have moved a step ahead in creating amalgamation of ethnic and traditional by creating bustiers, noodle straps, short necks, sleeveless and halter neck.

Odhni or dupatta generally covers the head of the dancer. It need not be matching in color it can be plain or embroidered as per ones wishes. It is believed that tradition of wearing these Chaniya Cholis originated in Rajasthan and Kutch region of Gujarat. Around 25 types of raw materials are needed to make swirling chaniya Cholis that are worn during the festival.

Kamkha : This is a traditional Gujrati 'Rabaran' blouse with embroidery on the front and back open.

Chudla : These are Rabaran bangles to be worn over entire arms. If worn along with a Kamkha will give you the best traditional look.

Kedia : Men wear these high waist tops which have a very different feel and looks great when men are dancing in circles.

Mojdee : These are hand made pure leather shoes with embroidery on the upper surface with hardened leather soles.

Navratri as per meaning signifies Nine nights which are dedicated to the Divine Mother or Shakti. This festival is celebrated in the month of Ashvin Sud from 1 to 9 (September- October). Navratri is the longest celebrated Indian festival.

Navratri History

The practice of goddess worship was prevalent in India since the time immemorial even before the advent of Aryans. Our ancestors have always placed Devi or Stree (as she was referred to) into the highest pedestal of the prevalent social system at that time and they worshipped her as Shakti. There are references in our Shastras which confirms the existence of such practices. There are several myths and legends associated with celebration of this Navratri Festival.

• As per one legend Mahishasura the mighty demon worshipped Lord Shiva and obtained the power of eternity. So he started to kill and harass innocent people and set out to win seven lokas. Intimated by his power all the gods from swargaloka appealed to Lord Shiva to tame the demon. Then Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar (Shiva) united their supreme powers and created a divine being called Shakti or Durga the Warrior Goddess. Mahishasura who happened to see this divine beauty Durga got mesmerized by her beauty and approached her with the intention of marriage. Goddess Durga agreed to marry him but in one condition that Mahishasura should win over her in duel. Mahishasura who was proudy of his power agreed for the duel. The duel went on for 9 nights and the end of 9th night Goddess Durga beheaded Mahishasura. So the nine nights for which the war was fought is called Navrathri. The tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadashmi.
  
• According to other legend King Daksha of Himalayas had a beautiful and Virtuos daughter Uma who had a wish to marry Lord Shiva. As a result she worshipped Lord Shiva and pleased him. Lord Shiva married Uma. Once Uma visited her parents to participate in a Yagna conducted over there, during that time King Daksha insulted Lord Shiva unable to bear the insults meted on her husband Uma decided to end her life by jumping into the agnikund where she was united with the eternity. Henceforth she was also known as Sati. Sati was reborn again and peace was restored between her and parents. In that birth also she married Lord Shiva and lived happily thereafter. It is believed that Sati comes to stay with her parents for 9 days in every year and that time is celebrated as Navarathri.
  
• One hypothesis states that in ancient times Kshatriyas debarred themselves from participating any warlike activities during monsoon season. Once monsoons got over they found the time to start afresh with their war activities. So before the start of their war journey these Kshatriyas worshipped different aspects of Devi for 9 days which is today celebrated as the Navratri.
  
• According to one legend Lord Rama who wanted to release Sita from the clutches of mighty demon king Ravana prayed Goddess Durga in nine aspects for nine days in order to gather the strength and power to kill Ravana. Those nine nights became to be known as Navrathri and on the tenth day Rama killed Ravana that day is called Vijayadashmi or Dashera.

Nine different manifestations of Durga are worshipped during Navratri they are

• Durga :goddess beyond reach
• Bhadrakali the auspicious power of time
• Amba or Jagdamba: mother of the world
• Annapurna: giver of food and plenty
• Sarvamangala: auspicious goddess
• Bhairavi: terrible, fearful, power of death
• Chandika or Handi: violent, wrathful, furious
• Lalita: playful
• Bhavani: giver of existence.

A "GARBO" is an earthen pot with holes all around and "Light" within which signifies knowledge. The word Garbo seems to have originated from the word "Garbha Deep", meaning a Light in the inner sanctum of the temple.

In the villages of Gujarat, the Garbo is placed in the center and brightly dressed ladies move around it singing and and playing a dance form called Garba.

The concept of Garbo is related to microcosm (smaller analysis ) and macrocosm ( larger analysis).
Microcosm : An earthen pot with holes, through which a flickering light shines through is similar to the human body (an earthen pot) with inner light of god within.
Macrocosm : The Universe of ours is as an earthen pot and light (Sun, Sakti) energy of the supreme reality shining through.

Moving around a circle in a Garbo, indicate the never-ending cycle of creation, maintenance and destruction phases of supreme reality. So now you know what you'll depict when dancing the Garba!

Falguni Pathak

Falguni Pathak, rightly coined as the undisputed 'Queen of Dandiya' is a hot favourite personality in the dandiya world. A very talented and energetic performer, Falguni is considered as a 'Diva' amongst today's young generation. She is not just famous for her powerful vocal talents but also for her stage appearance and entertainment. She is one of the most noted and respected singers in India and abroad with a lot of fan-following. She could be rightly called today's 'mover & shaker' in the field of dandiya.

She is backed by a powerful and dedicated band 'Ta Thaiyaa' which provides the required punch to make the show a grand success. With a long list of shows in India and abroad Falguni has come a long way since she started off as a dandiya singer.

And now there is an added achievement in her success story. Falguni has released a pop album of which 'Yaad Piya Ki Ane Lagi' has become a chartbuster.

Do you want to be a crowd-puller in the forth-coming Navaratri festival ? Here are some tips & special guidances by expert dandiya coach Rajesh Joshi. Let's have a glance.

Rajesh has been teaching dandiya and garba for nine years and has trained more than 3000 students. He is passionate about dancing & has won many prizes at dandiya competitions. The course at his academy "Kala-Maitri" is for 15 days, during which you are guaranteed proficiency in dandiya and garba.The steps, invented by Rajesh himself, are a fusion of traditional dandiya & garba steps & steps borrowed from hindi films & disco. Some of the steps includes Lehree (wave like movements), Trikoniyu (hands movement forming an imaginary triangle), butterfly, janz, hudo, popatiyu, dodhiyu, simple five, simple seven, simple 7 speed circle, three claps up and down single jerk double circle and many many more.......

Here are some tips according to Rajesh that will make you a crowd-puller....

* During Navaratri put on bright or deep color costumes such as red, green, orange, blue etc.....
* As soon as the music starts, go near the stage and start playing. Don't bother if nobody on the ground is dancing. People will be attracted and there will be a crowd around you.
* When you are shaking your face like a classical dancer keep a bright and lovely smile on your face in such a way that people just gaze at you.
* Before designing your dress see to it that they play an important role in your grace.
* Girls should put a big "Tika". If possible use a lipstick, so that it does not spread due to perspiration.
* While taking circle steps, if u get tired, don't leave your game and come out, instead slow down leg steps.
* Even if you are tired, keep a smiling face.

How to keep up stamina during Navaratri ? :
*Take food items which are full of calories but light such as cheese, soup, juice, butter etc.....
*If possible keep glucose powder, drink it during the day.
*Don't drink cold drinks at all & during two rounds instead of eating canteen food, eat fruits.
* Take enough sleep during the day.