India is a land of celebrations, and if there’s one state that elevates the festive spirit to an entirely different level, it’s Gujarat. Known as the Land of Gods and Divinity, Gujarat beautifully blends tradition, culture, and spirituality. Being from Agra, I’ve always been surrounded by an overwhelming richness in culture and architecture that feels like it’s woven into my very soul. Growing up near Rajasthan, the seamless blending of traditions, rituals, and histories has only deepened this connection. My love for forts, heritage, cultural values, vibrant attires, intricate jewellery, and flavourful food isn’t just an interest—it’s a part of who I am, pulsing through my veins. For as long as I can remember, it had been a dream of mine to experience the magic of Garba during Navratri—the colors, the music, the energy. And finally, this year, that dream turned into reality.
What started as casual chit-chat with friends about the
iconic United Way of Baroda Garba soon turned into a full-fledged plan. Trains
were booked, passes were secured, and before we knew it, a group of 16 of us
was all set for an unforgettable nine-day journey through Gujarat.
From the pulsating beats of Garba in Vadodara, the shopping
adventures at bustling bazaars, and indulging in mouthwatering Gujarati
delicacies, to the serene and spiritual vibes of Somnath and Dwarka, this trip
turned out to be everything I had envisioned—and so much more. Join me as I
take you through the highlights of this exhilarating journey filled with dance,
devotion, and discovery.
Welcome to Vadodara: The Heart of Garba
Our journey kicked off with great excitement as Vadodara,
the Garba hub of Gujarat, welcomed us with open arms. Day 1 was all
about exploring the vibrant local markets and shopping for the perfect Navratri
attire. In Gujarat, how can you miss the traditional Chaniya Choli and Kediyo?
We headed to Nawa Bazaar, the oldest and best place for bargaining. The
market offered a stunning range of authentic Chaniya Cholis, starting from ₹800
to ₹30,000, and an incredible selection of oxidized jewelry priced between ₹20
and ₹300. And let’s not forget the colorful Odhani scarves!
While shopping, we indulged in some mouth-watering Gujarati
snacks. Jalebi-Fafda is a must-try combo, and when in Gujarat, you have
to embrace the “meeth-namkeen” flavors. We devoured local favorites like gathiya,
patra, muthiya, sev, and the iconic Gujarati kadhi, which is
surprisingly sweet compared to its Rajasthani counterpart. But the highlight of
my culinary experience was the Lehsuniya Rotla (garlic-flavored bajra
roti), a giant-sized delight!
Day 1: Garba Night, A Dream Come True
As night fell on Day 1, the moment we had all been
waiting for finally arrived. Stepping into the gigantic Garba ground of UnitedWay of Baroda, we were awestruck. The dazzling colors of Chaniya Cholis,
the festive decor, and the energy of the crowd were simply electrifying. Garba
enthusiasts of all ages, from young children to elders in their 70s, were
tapping their feet to the devotional beats dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Watch video here
The synchrony in the dance, with thousands of people moving
in perfect harmony in large circles, was a sight to behold. The soulful
renditions of Kanha and Radha songs added to the divine
atmosphere. Barefoot and immersed in the moment, we danced for hours under the
hot and humid sky, lost in the love for Garba and devotion to the Goddess.
Day 2: Exploring the Statue of Unity
After barely three hours of sleep, we woke up fresh and
buzzing with excitement. Day 2 was all about sightseeing, and we planned
a trip to the magnificent Statue of Unity. Located just a couple of
hours from Vadodara, this towering tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is a
symbol of national pride. The complex has so much to offer, from wildlife
exhibits to a fascinating museum and the spectacular light and sound show, which
left us teary-eyed with patriotism.
The day ended on a high note, with Prime Minister
Narendra Modi's speech and the national anthem resonating in our hearts as
we headed back with cherished memories.
Day 3: Garba Glamour on Ashtami
On Day 3, after a day of shopping at Alkapuri
Market in Vadodara, known for its stunning Ajrakh prints and
traditional handicrafts, the anticipation for the night ahead was palpable. As
night approached, the excitement of returning to the Garba ground took
over once again. This time, the occasion was even more special—it was Ashtami,
a night known for its grandeur, and the energy was on a whole new level.
The Garba grounds were packed with people who had dressed to
impress. The Chaniya Cholis were more vibrant, the Kediyos even
more intricately embroidered, and the makeup and jewelry reflected the
festive spirit. The women, especially, had put in extra effort, adorning
themselves in backless blouses, mirror-work skirts, and colorful bangles. It
was like watching a moving canvas of traditional Gujarati fashion. The men, not
to be left behind, sported Kutchi jackets and vibrant kurtas, adding to
the colorful spectacle.
As the night progressed, the music grew louder, and the
crowd's enthusiasm reached a fever pitch. Melodies like “Radha nu Roop”
and other traditional Garba tunes echoed through the air. Dancing in sync with
the crowd, the atmosphere felt electric, as if the collective energy of
thousands was being channeled into the rhythmic footwork of Garba.
What truly stood out that night was the confidence and
freedom of the women. Well past midnight, girls and women of all ages could be
seen confidently riding their scooters, their Garba outfits fluttering in the
breeze, as they laughed and giggled with friends. It was a beautiful sight—a
testament to how Gujarat strikes a perfect balance between tradition and
modernity. The spirit of Navratri wasn't just confined to the dance
floor; it overflowed into the streets, creating an atmosphere of celebration,
empowerment, and togetherness.
Despite hours of dancing, no one seemed to tire. The energy
in the Garba ground remained undiminished, with everyone wishing the night
would never end. The magic of Ashtami made this Garba night one to remember
forever.
Day 4: A Spiritual Journey to Somnath and Dwarka
Day 4 started on a different note, as we shifted from
the electrifying energy of Garba to the tranquil world of spirituality. Our
group of 16 set off early in the morning, embarking on a journey to visit the
revered Somnath and Dwarka temples. As we boarded our traveller,
everyone was glued to their phones, reliving the excitement of the previous two
days by flipping through Garba pictures, videos, and shopping snaps. For a
moment, it felt like the trip was winding down. But that mood didn't last
long—as soon as we started joking around, indulging in delicious snacks, and
gulping down refreshing buttermilk, the energy was back in full swing.
In just 8 hours, we arrived at Somnath, just 20
minutes before the Aarti was about to begin. We rushed to our rooms,
which were thankfully just 500 meters away from the temple. With barely any
time to freshen up, we dashed to the Somnath Temple, and all the hustle
was worth it.
The temple stood tall, bathed in golden hues, resembling a
royal palace. Words can’t do justice to its beauty—it was spotless,
well-organized, and surrounded by an aura of peace. Somnath Temple, one
of the twelve Jyotirlingas, left us in awe. The darshan process was smooth; you
didn’t have to walk much, and there were water jars available outside for
purchase to offer Jal Abhishek to the Shivling.
That day, being Navami, the Shivling was
adorned in an elaborate Ardhanarishwara sringar (half-Shiva,
half-Parvati). It was a soul-soothing moment, one of those experiences where
you feel an instant connection with divinity. The temple’s serenity made the
experience even more special, offering us a quiet respite from the excitement
of the days before. It was a perfect way to reset, filling our hearts with
peace before continuing our spiritual journey to Dwarka the next day.
Day 5: A Visit to Dwarkadhish Temple
Day 5 started bright and early as we made our way to
meet Dwarkadhish Ji, Lord Krishna, at the sacred Dwarka temple. Located
near the confluence of the Gomti River with the Arabian Sea, Dwarka’s
majestic structure resembled an ancient palace. The temple’s intricate carvings
and grandeur made it an awe-inspiring sight, though it had a different vibe
compared to Somnath.
Unlike the peaceful ambiance of Somnath, Dwarka was
bustling with people, cows roaming around, and a more chaotic atmosphere. The
temple wasn’t as clean or well-organized as Somnath, but its historic
significance made up for it. One important tip: avoid carrying phones
into the temple. You’ll have to deposit them before entering, and the long
queues to collect them later can be time-consuming. Despite these small
inconveniences, the darshan of Dwarkadhish Ji was a spiritually
fulfilling experience.
The charm of Dwarka lies in its rustic beauty, where
tradition and history come alive in every corner. It felt like stepping back in
time, where Lord Krishna himself once ruled.
The Final Chapter
After a week action-packed days, we returned to Vadodara,
feeling fulfilled yet nostalgic. The warmth of Gujarat, its rich traditions,
and the unmatched vibrancy of Garba had captured our hearts. As we made our way
back home, we couldn’t help but reminisce about the unforgettable memories we
created.
From the dazzling Garba nights to the spiritual serenity of
Somnath and Dwarka, Gujarat has left an indelible mark on my soul. Navratri in
Gujarat is an experience of a lifetime, one that I will cherish forever.
Whether it’s the dance, the food, the shopping, or the divine aura of its
temples, Gujarat truly lives up to its title as the state of Gods and
divinity.
If you haven’t experienced Garba in Gujarat yet, add it to
your travel bucket list—it’s a journey you won’t regret!
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