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आख़िर कैसे गरबा (Garba) और डांडिया-रास (Dandiya Rasa) एक होते हुए भी अलग है..!!

“तारा विना ‘श्याम’ मने एकलो लागे … रास रामवा ने व्हेलो आवजे …!!!”

अब आने वाले नौ दिनो तक शहर की ‘गोपियाँ’ ऐसे ही अपने-अपने ‘श्याम’ के लिए सज-धज कर ये गीत गाती और इंतज़ार करती दिखेंगी। वैसे श्याम भी कम नहीं है अपने शहर के… उनका भी क्रेज देखने लायक होता है। वो भी अलग ही टशन में दिखते है। वैसे उनका ध्यान नाचने में ज़रा कम ही होता है। न जाने कितने दिलों को मिलाया है इस नवरात्री ने। कब गरबा खेलते-खेलते..डांडिया रास करते-करते कोई रास आ जाए कुछ कह नहीं सकते। मन बावला जो होता है।

अच्छा ये लिखते-लिखते ख्याल आया कि गरबा और डांडिया रास कितने अलग है ये एक दुसरे से? लिखना कुछ था पर मन इसी बात पर अटक गया..बताया तो था, मन बावला जो होता है। कब किस पर अटक जाए कौन कब रास आ जाए किसे पता?

खैर हमनें भी सोचा कि अब इसी पर खोजबीन शुरू की जाए…खोजते हुए कई पॉइंट्स, फैक्ट्स निकल आए। वही सब आप को बता दे रहे है-

 

गरबा क्या है? –

India Navratri Festiva
Photo credit : Ajit Solanki

गरबा एक गुजराती फ़ोक डांस है जो यहीं से फेमस होता हुआ पुरे उत्तर भारत और महाराष्ट्र में पहुँच गया। ‘गरबा’ संस्कृत शब्द ‘गर्भ’ और ‘दीप’ से निकला है।

दरअसल एक मिट्टी के बर्तन में ‘जौ’ और ‘तिल’ की घास उगाई जाती है, इसे एक पटिये पर रख एक जगह स्थापित करते है, उसी बर्तन को गरबा कहा गया है। इसे किसी खुले स्थान में रखा जाता है साथ ही इसके साथ एक दीपक भी जलाया जाता है। इसके इर्द-गिर्द एक गोला बनाकर डांस किया जाता है। उसे गरबा डांस कहते है। हालाँकि ‘गरबा बर्तन’ बनाना गुजरात में ही देखने को मिलेगा। अन्य दूसरी जगह जहाँ गरबे किए जाते है वहाँ बीच में अम्बा माँ की तस्वीर या मूर्ति रख और दीपक जलाकर गरबा किया जाता है। स्थापित करने के दसवें दिन गरबा का विसर्जन किया जाता है।

Garba-dance3
photo credit : discover India

 

गरबा डांस –

कभी सोचा है कि गरबा केवल सर्किल में ही क्यूँ किया जाता है?garba-ras

इसके पीछे एक ज्ञान छिपा है वो ये है कि “ मनुष्य जीवन भी एक वृत्त(साइक्लिक स्ट्रक्चर) के समान है, इंसान जन्म लेता है …अपना जीवन जीता है… मर जाता है…फिर जन्म लेता है…। मतलब वो जहाँ से शुरू करता है वहीँ वापस आ जाता है। बीच में रखा ‘गर्भ दीप’ ये बताता है कि हर इंसान के मन में एक देव तत्व छुपा हुआ रहता है। हम सभी के मन में देवी का निवास होता है, बस ज़रुरत है तो उसे खोजने की। इसी वजह से इसके चारो और डांस किया जाता है। बीच में रखा गरबा एक जगह रहता है जो बताता है, देवी शास्वत सत्य है और हम सब यहाँ अनिश्चित(टेम्पररी) रूप से रह रहे है।

garba ground in gujrat

 

तो फिर ‘डांडिया रास’ क्या है? –dandiya dance

ये भी गुजराती फ़ोक डांस ही है, पर गरबे से थोडा अलग है। ‘डांडिया रास’ भगवान् श्री कृष्ण से जुड़ा है। रास शब्द संस्कृत के ‘रसा’ से आया है। ये डांस गुजरात और राजस्थान में किया जाता है, ख़ासकर दक्षिण राजस्थान और पश्चिम मध्य-प्रदेश और पुरे गुजरात में। इसमें गरबा डांस के उलट पुरुष और स्त्री साथ मिलकर एक या दो सजे हुए डांडियों से डांस करते है।

डांडिया रास को एक और कहानी से जोड़ा जाता है जो कि माँ दुर्गा की है। इस कहानी के अनुसार माँ दुर्गा और महिषासुर के बीच भयंकर युद्ध छिड़ गया था। ये नौ दिनों तक चला। इस वजह से इसमें यूज़ होने वाले डांडिये को ‘तलवार’ से भी जोड़कर देखा जाता है।dandiya ahmedabad

ऐसा बताते है… जब अफ्रीकन गुलाम(स्लेव्ज़) सौराष्ट्र बंदरगाह पर आये थे तब उन्होंने ये डांस देखा। इन अफ्रीकन गुलामो ने इसे अफ्रीकन ड्रम(जेम्बे) पर करना शुरू किया। चूँकि ये लोग मुस्लिम थे तो इन्होने इस ट्रेडिशन सौराष्ट्र में मुस्लिम तरीके से अपनाया।

 

कितने अलग है डांडिया और गरबा एक दुसरे से? –

  • गरबा डांस ‘डांडिया आरती’ से पहले किया जाता है, डांडिया आरती के बाद डांडिया रास खेला जाता है।
  • गरबा केवल महिलाओं द्वारा किया जाता था(हालाँकि अब ऐसा नहीं है) जबकि डांडिया संयुक्त रूप से किया जाता है।
  • डांडिया रास डांडिया आरती के बाद शुरू होता है, उससे पहले तक गरबा ही खेला है।
  • गरबा तीन तरह से खेला जाता है, एक ताली गरबा, २ ताली गरबा और तीन तली गरबा। आज से 10-15 साल पहले तक तीन ताली गरबा ही किया जाता था, ये थोडा कॉम्प्लेक्स था। वेस्टर्न गरबा दो ताली/एक ताली गरबा और डांडिया रास से मिलकर बना है जो आजकल काफी पोपुलर है।
  • डांडिया रास में बजने वाले गीत मुख्यतया श्री कृष्ण और राधा के ऊपर होते है जबकि गरबा में बजने वाले गीत अम्बा माँ के ऊपर बने होते है।
  • गरबा गुजरात और महाराष्ट्र में ज्यादा खेला जाता है जबकि डांडिया राजस्थान और मध्यप्रदेश में ज्यादा खेला जाता है।
  • दोनों ही डांस फॉर्म्स में औरतें रंगबिरंगी पौशाके पहनती है, जिनमे चनिया चोली, ब्राइट कलर से बने घाघरे, कमरबंध, बाजुबंध, मांग टिक्का आदि होते है।Dandiya-Garba
  • गरबा और डांडिया खेलने वाले आदमी गोल छोटा कुर्ता, कफनी पायजामा, पगड़ी और मोजरी पहनते है।
  • डांडिया के मुकाबले गरबा भारत के बहार ज्यादा फेमस है। ये फोक डांस अमेरिका, कनाडा, ब्रिटेन सहित दुनिया की 20 से भी ज्यादा युनिवरर्सिटीज़ में खेला जाता है।
  • ब्रम्हा ने महिषासुर को वरदान दिया था कि उसे कोई आदमी नहीं मार पाएगा, जब उसका धरती पर अत्याचार बढ़ गया तब उसका संहार माँ दुर्गा ने किया।
  • साउथ इंडिया में नवरात्री के त्यौहार को ‘गोलू’ बोला जाता है।

navratri-in-gujarat

गरबा और डांडिया रास भले ही हिन्दू मान्यता से जुड़ा हुआ है पर इस त्यौहार को मानाने के लिए आपका हिन्दू होना ज़रूरी नहीं है। इस डांस को किसी भी धर्म के लोग कर सकते है। इसकी ख़ासियत यही है कि ये अलग-अलग जगहों और धर्मो के लोगो को एक साथ लेकर आता है और नृत्य की भावना से सोहाद्र और प्रेम-भाव जगाता है।

ऊपर दिए गए फैक्ट्स और पॉइंट्स सिर्फ इनके बारे में बताने के लिए थे, आसान भाषा में ये थ्योरी थी पढ़ लो और जान लो। नाचना तो कल से है ही, प्रैक्टिकल में तो माहिर ही अपन। अंत में माँ दुर्गा और श्री कृष्ण को याद करते हुए उदयपुर ब्लॉग की तरफ़ से आप सबको नवरात्री की ढेर सारी बधाइयाँ। ये पर्व आपके और आपके परिवार में खुशियाँ लाये। भारतवर्ष को आगे बढ़ाये।

Categories
Photos and Videos

[PHOTOS] Garba Beats in Udaipur

The nights filled with energy, fun, the sound of dandiyas striking each other, and colorful attires may have come to an end, but the trails of joy and happiness that those nights left us with can be still felt as if it happened yesterday.

UdaipurBlog brings you a chance to revise and relive those energetically colorful nights once again. Browse through the gallery to inhale once again what has been left behind. Enjoy the Garba Night photos 🙂

Photo Gallery :

Garba Beats in Udaipur

Garba Beats in Udaipur

Garba Beats in Udaipur

Garba Beats in Udaipur

Garba Beats in Udaipur

Garba Beats in Udaipur

Garba beats in Udaipur

Garba beats in Udaipur

Garba beats in Udaipur

Garba beats in Udaipur

Garba beats in Udaipur

Garba beats in Udaipur

Garba beats in Udaipur

Garba beats in Udaipur

Garba beats in Udaipur

Garba beats in Udaipur

Garba beats in Udaipur

Garba beats in Udaipur

Garba beats in Udaipur

Garba beats in Udaipur

Garba beats in Udaipur

Garba beats in Udaipur

 Man, the imperfect, the bound, the sorrowful, has a thousand enemies within. He is riddled with negative thoughts fears, yearnings. These are selfishness, jealousy, meanness, prejudice and hatred – just to mention but a few. The Sadhak must get rid of these lawless villains within. With Mother Durga’s kripa, these destructive masters are to be annihilated. Invoke the Mother Terrible to help us annihilate within ourselves all negative forces; all weaknesses, – all littleness. – Swami Chinmayananda

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thC00M2zOjo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTh6slV1V5Y

Photo Courtesy : Yash Sharma & Lakhan Sharma

Categories
Photos

[Pictures] The Grandeur of Durga Puja 2012

The Navratri began on 16th Oct 2012, and so began days of joy, dance, music, pleasure and above all, devotion. Every state was outperformed by the charm of Gujarati art of celebrating, with the Garba/Dandiya Raas. Soon, 6th day of the Navratri fell on 20th October, and as many of you all might know, the Bengali community begin their celebration of the year long awaited festival. In Udaipur, this occasion is being celebrated from more than 5 decades by the people from Bengali community who are proud residents of this wonderful City of Lakes.

Like every other year, this year too, there were celebrations at different places in Udaipur. UdaipurBlog.com brings you pictures from the 4 day celebrations of Durga Puja that ended on Vijaya Dashmi. Beginning with the bodhan, to routine rituals, “pushpanjali”, “balidaan”, “sandhi-puja”, and the famous “Dhunichi” dance and Sindur Play, the celebration concluded with immersion of the deity idols into water bodies. For a detailed info on the traditions and how the idols are made ‘Eco Frendly’ as well as fit for immersion into water bodies, I suggest you to read the post below

Link: Shree Shree Durga Puja: Traditions Penned by the initiators of Durga Puja in Udaipur

Photos By: Aniket John, Gaurav Bhattacharya, Prasun Bannerjee

Durga Puja 2012
Bindu Bhawan
Durga Puja 2012
Bang Bhawan
Durga Puja 2012
Hiran Magri
Durga Puja 2012
Town Hall
Durga Puja 2012
Sindur Khela

Durga Puja 2012

Durga Puja 2012

Durga Puja 2012

Durga Puja 2012

Durga Puja 2012

Durga Puja 2012

Durga Puja 2012
Visarjan
Categories
Festivals

Shree Shree Durga Puja: Traditions Penned by the initiators of Durga Puja in Udaipur

About the Author: Mr. Anand Bhattacharya is an Advocate, and belongs to the successor generation of  late Shri Nripendralal Bhattacharya, who started the Durga Pooja ceremony in Udaipur in the year 1956 , at Bindu Bhawan, 49,Shastri Marg, Udaipur. Since then it is being celebrated there every year at the same place with spirits of great enthusiasm, zeal, and spirituality, and the culture is inherited by generations.

Durga Pooja | UdaipurBlog

Shree Shree Durga Pooja”, which is being celebrated during the Shukla Paksh of Bengali Kartik month every year, known as “Navratri” in the Hindi speaking area of the country, is not just a religious ceremony for the Bengalis. It is a religious-cum-social function and as the festival approaches, the heart of every Bengali is enveloped by the feeling of joy and pleasure. This is a time of the year, when all the new and major purchases are done, new books, new films, new songs, new designs of cloths etc. are released and Bengalis, specially those residing in Kolkata, often plan site seeing trips to various places, specially because the schools also remain closed for around fifteen days during this time. The business, especially for those dealing in consumer goods, is very brisk. Shops are flooded with fresh stock of consumer goods and the market is full of customers.

Normally the Pooja used to be celebrated, initially in Chaitra Month (i.e. around March-April) in the olden days. However, it is said that the Pooja during this time (September-October month) of the year, was started by Shree Raam during his fight with Ravan, when  he was not able to overcome the strength of Ravan. This Pooja is therefore also known as “Akaal Bodhan” [Akaal means – untimely and bodhan means – commencement]. It is also very interesting to note, that as per the belief, this Pooja was performed for Raam, by none other than Ravan himself, who was a Brahmin of the highest order, as there was no other able Brahmin available at the place where such Pooja was performed. This was done by Ravan, knowing fully well that the aim of this Pooja was for vanquishing him. This shows the depth of our culture, where duty is given priority over every other thing – even the life of the person.

Durga Puja Aarti | UdaipurBlog

As against the Navratri pooja, which starts from the first day of Shukla Paksh [ekum], the Durga Pooja as per Bengali system, starts from the sixth day or “Shashti”. There are two Puraans – Devi Puraan and Kalika Puraan – under one of which the Pooja is performed as per Bengali system.

Another very important fact which requires to be taken note of, is that the idol of Shree Shree Durga Mataji is made of completely natural (mostly bio-degradable) commodities. The basic structure or the body of the idols is made by straw being tied to bamboos by jute string (sutli). Over this structure of straw,  the first coat of mud, impregnated with chaff of rice, is applied. Addition of chaff, strengthens the binding quality of the mud. Once this first coat of mud gets dried up, the second and smooth coat of pure and closely sieved mud is applied, which gives the final shape and smoothness to the idols. Once this coat gets dried up, a primary coating of chalk is applied on the mud. After that coat dries up, natural water colors are applied thereon. These water colors are dissolved in the extract obtained by boiling tamarind seeds in water. That makes the colors permanent. After drying up of the colour , the whole idol is coated with a fine solution of sabudana [TROPICANA SEEDS] boiled and dissolved in water. This acts as a laminating film for the colours, and protects it from atmospheric effects like fading out etc.. The hairs are made of finely combed jute, and the black colour to the hairs is imparted by boiling the duly combed jute with Harde, Catechu (Kattha) and certain herbs. Nowadays of course readymade hairs are available. Thus the idol consists mostly of natural inputs. Therefore, this idol is more eco-friendly than the POP idols that are being made in other parts of the country. It may also be noted that except for the faces (which are also made of mud) whole of the idol is made by hand and dies are not used. This is a traditional art, and specialized by some families who are doing this work for generations. Luckily, as the number of poojas and requirement of idol is ever increasing, this art is not a dying art and actually new artists are getting added to this profession every year.

Idol Making Process Durga Puja | UdaipurBlog

The format of the idol which is being worshipped during this Durga Pooja ceremony is known as “Mahishasur Mardini Roop” i.e. the roop or form, which Maa Durga adopted for vanquishing and ultimately killing “Mahishasur”, who was one of the most powerful asur (evil power) of all times. It is said that when “Mahishasur” became so powerful that even the Gods (Devtas] started getting tormented by him, all the Gods contributed their powers and created this “Mahishasur Mardini Roop” and in that form, duly fortified with the strength of various Gods, Maa Durga annihilated “Mahishasur”. This format of Maa Durga therefore is known as “Shakti Roop of Maa Durga” and in this roop, Maa Durga  has ten hands, each wielding a special weapon known as ayudh, which were contributed by various different Gods.

Alongwith the main idol of Maa Durga, riding a lion and seen as killing “Mahishasur”, there are other idols namely “Ganesh”,  “Maha Laxmi”, “Maha Saraswati” and ”Kartik”. Each of these idols are manifestations of certain virtues. Lord Ganesh is manifestation of wisdom, Maha Laxmi Ji is manifestation of wealth, Maha Saraswati Ji is manifestation of learning and Kartik Ji is the manifestation of administration/organization. If the whole idol is perceived with this viewpoint, it would very clearly covey the message that if one wants to overcome evil powers (whether external or internal) one would need to have integrated and concentrated physical power (Maa Durga herself); wisdom (Ganesh ji); financial resources (Maha Laxmi Ji); learning (Maha Saraswati ji) and administration/organization (Kartik Ji). This reasserts the position that this Pooja teaches a method by which any person can overcome the vices by augmenting his physical powers, wisdom, wealth, learning and administrative capacity.

Durga Idols | UdaipurBlog

The Pooja starts from Shashti (sixth day) and continues upto Dussera. It is said that on completion of the Pooja, Raam was able to win over and kill Ravan, and that is the reason why completion of the Shree Shree Durga Pooja coincides with the Ravan-Kumbhkarna-Meghnath effigy burning.

Bindu Bhawan Durga Puja | UdaipurBlog

The most important Pooja during the whole Durga Pooja ceremony is “Sandhi pooja”. This pooja is to be performed within a time of 48 minutes. These 48 minutes are carved out of “Ashtami tithi” and “Navami tithi” – 24 minutes from the end of Ashtami and 24 minutes from the beginning of Navami – these 48 minutes constitute Sandhi Pooja time. It is said that during this time “Mahishasur” was killed by Maa Durga, because “Mahishasur” had a boon that he will not be killed in any “tithi”. Sandhi Pooja therefore is of immense importance, because the whole purpose of vanquishing “Mahishasur” was achieved during this brief span on 48 minutes when there was no tithi in particular. The sandhi pooja is to be commenced, performed and completed within these 48 minutes, and there is every attempt to ensure that there is no lapse during this pooja.

Balidaan or sacrifice is a part of every days’ pooja. While sacrifice of goat or buffaloes used to be offered very commonly in the past, nowadays normally Balidaan of sugarcane, gourd (petha) and banana [jointly known as ‘bali’] is offered. However, still in some places sacrifice of goat is being offered. There are four balidaans during the Pooja – each after completion of the poojas of Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and of Sandhi Pooja. It is essential that the “Bali” is cut by one stroke of the weapon.

The Durga Pooja ceremony ends with immersion of the idol of Maa Durga in the water – in lakes, rivers, sea etc. . Since the idol is made of mostly bio-degradable items, it does not pollute the water resources. The immersion ceremony is followed by each greeting  the other and touching the feet of elders and obtaining their blessings. Eating of sweets is a part of each such ceremony!

Visarjan | UdaipurBlog

It is also considered by most of the Bengalis, specially ladies, that Maa Durga comes to the earth during this time, as a married daughter comes to visit her parents once in a year, and therefore everyone wants to offer the best offerings that he or she can, to Maa during this pooja. Similarly after immersion (visarjan) , ladies are quite sad and many weep when the idol of Maa Durga is taken away for visarjan. Therefore, it is again reiterated that this is not just a religious ceremony but a social festival in which everyone gets emotionally involved.  This probably is a time in the life of every Bengali, when every one tries to forget his woes and misfortunes and tries to be happy and enjoy the occasion. This festival is therefore an in-built aspect of the life of every Bengali and in whichever part of the world he may be during these days, he would always wish to be in the Pooja atmosphere, with his near and dear ones, at least during these few days. Probably Maa also comes down to the earth during this time – because God is nothing but a manifestation of the devotion that is contained in everyone’s heart !!!

Categories
Festivals Photos

[Pictures] Durga Puja 2011: Celebration by the Bengali Community began today

Heartiest Greetings on the occasion of Navratri! Today is the 6th day of the Navratri, and as many of you all might know, the Bengali community begin their celebration of the year long awaited festival, Durga Pooja from today. In Udaipur, this occasion is being celebrated from more than 5 decades by the people from Bengali community who are proud residents of this wonderful City of Lakes.

I, being a Bengali, remain too excited for the arrival of the season throughout the year. And now when the season has arrived, the adrenaline rush is to the extreme, and so is the enthusiasm and happiness of all the Bengalis. The celebration will continue till the 9th day of Navratri, followed by Visarjan on the day of Dusshera, or Vijaya Dashmi.

For the first day, I bring you few clicks from the prime locations of celebration of Durga Pooja in Udaipur by the Bengali community. Every idol carved magnificently, every decoration was just spectacular. Do not miss to witness the culture and see the holy idols in the season of Navratri.  There’s still a lot more coming from your very own UdaipurBlog.com on the occasion of Navratri, so stay tuned.

I would also like to wish you on behalf of Team UdaipurBlog.com a very  ‘Happy Navratri‘ and may Goddess Durga shower her blessings on all of us 🙂

Pictures From Bang Samaj, Bhupalpura

Durga Puja 2011 | UdaipurBlog

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Pictures From Bindu Bhawan, Ashok Nagar

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Pictures From Swarnkar Samiti, Town Hall

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Pictures From Hiran Magri Sec. 4

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Categories
Events

‘Sparkles’ of the Navratri: The ambience of Dandiya Raas

The season is back again. The excitement has hit all the generations of Udaipur, not only the youth. The same can be seen at the Our Real Estate Dandiya Raas 2011 by the Sparkles Dance group. Being organized at Satyam Shivam Sundaram Garden, Ayad, the location is too easy to reach from the city.

To have a glimpse of the event, I had a visit at the place yesterday. I am not at all a good dancer, so I chose to stick with my camera to click few pictures of the event and share it with the Udaipies. As could be seen in the photographs, the response of the crowd was overwhelming, RJ/Anchor Piyush hosted the show in his awesome style, and above all, the traditional music pumped up every heart beat and forced every pair of feet to dance on its own.

If you are in a mood to enjoy the season of Navratri at its best, I strongly recommend you not to miss the Our Real Estate Dandiya Raas 2011.

Here are the photographs from yesterday’s event clicked by Mujtaba RG and Prasun Bannerjee

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Categories
Events

The Grand Dandiya Competition at The Celebration Mall

Great Dandiya Celebration

Navratri season is approaching and so are the excitement of so many Udaipies. Many of you would like to join any grand dandia celebration in the city, and to show everyone your charm, caliber and talent. And if you think you are one of them, then you are reading exactly the right article. The Celebration Mall, Udaipur has planned a special Dandiya Competition to add more joy to your Navratri Celebration.

In this event you will get a chance to learn Dandiya/Garba on 24th-25th September, 2011. If you think you can use Dandiya as a prop, and yourself as the ultimate dancer then register yourself for ‘The Great Dandiya Competition’. The  auditions for the same will take place on 1-2Oct, 2011.

The Grand finale will be held on 5 Oct, 2011 and shall be Judged by Vishal Singh.

call 0294 6608801 or sms TCMU to 56677  to know more details about the competition. So what are you waiting for Udaipies! Join the ‘Celebration‘ and celebrate the season.

More Details:

Dandiya Competition Udaipur