An exploration of tradition, devotion, celebration, and the meaning of respecting Shakti.

Navaratri is here.

The colorful outfits, dazzling lights, rhythmic beats, beautifully decorated venues, and thousands of people dancing together create an atmosphere that is difficult to describe. There is something magical about Garba. The energy, the music, the joy, and the sense of community are truly extraordinary.

As someone who has worked as a professional DJ for several years, I have experienced this excitement from a slightly different perspective.

Standing behind the DJ console, I have played countless songs based on people’s requests, watched crowds come alive, and witnessed how music brings people together. My responsibility has always been to entertain, create the right atmosphere, and ensure everyone enjoys themselves.

But amid the music, dancing, laughter, and celebrations, a question has repeatedly crossed my mind:

How many of us truly understand what we are celebrating?

Are we simply dancing because everyone else is dancing? Are we attending because it is the most happening event of the season? Or do we understand the extraordinary spiritual and philosophical meaning behind Garba?

Over the decades, I have watched cultural celebrations evolve. Many changes are beautiful and necessary. Traditions must evolve to remain relevant.

But sometimes, I wonder whether we have become so focused on the celebration that we have forgotten its purpose.

And before questioning society, I believe I must also question myself.

But first, let us understand what Garba actually represents.

GARBA: THE WOMB, THE FLAME, AND THE ORIGIN OF LIFE

The word Garba is traditionally connected to the Sanskrit word Garbha, meaning womb.

It is also associated with Garbha Deep, referring to the lamp placed within a vessel.

In traditional Garba celebrations, an earthen pot, often called a Garbo, is placed at the center of the gathering. The pot may have small openings, allowing the light of a lamp burning inside to shine through.

This is far more than a decorative arrangement.

The earthen vessel symbolizes the womb, the source from which life emerges.

The flame represents divine consciousness, the life force, and the eternal energy sustaining creation.

The light shining through the openings can be understood as the manifestation of that energy throughout existence.

And around this sacred center, people dance.

Think about that for a moment.

We are dancing around a representation of the source of life itself.

What appears to be a simple folk dance carries an extraordinary spiritual message.

Life is constantly moving. Generations are born, grow, and disappear. Civilizations rise and fall. Everything around us changes.

Yet the divine principle that sustains existence remains constant.

Garba reminds us of this relationship between the changing world and the eternal source of creation.

It is devotion expressed through movement.

WHY DO WE DANCE IN CIRCLES?

One of the most beautiful aspects of traditional Garba is its circular formation.

The circle is often interpreted as representing the continuous cycle of existence.

Birth, life, death, and renewal.

In Hindu philosophical thought, this connects naturally with the concept of Samsara, the cycle of birth and rebirth.

As dancers move around the central lamp or representation of the Goddess, they symbolically acknowledge that individual life revolves around something greater than itself.

But there is another lesson hidden in this formation.

A circle has no permanent beginning and no permanent end.

Nobody remains first forever. Nobody remains last forever.

Everyone participates in the same rhythm.

The wealthy and the poor, the young and the old, the accomplished and the inexperienced can all become part of the same collective movement.

The circle reminds us that community is not about individual superiority.

It is about shared participation.

In a world increasingly obsessed with individual recognition, competition, and social status, that is a lesson worth remembering.

NAVARATRI: NINE NIGHTS CELEBRATING SHAKTI

Navaratri literally means nine nights.

These nights celebrate Shakti, the Divine Feminine, understood in Hindu traditions as the cosmic energy associated with creation, preservation, transformation, and the destruction of evil.

The Goddess is worshipped through various manifestations, including Durga, Amba, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and the nine forms collectively known as Navadurga.

Each manifestation highlights different dimensions of divine power.

Courage to confront injustice.

Wisdom to overcome ignorance.

Compassion to nurture life.

Strength to face adversity.

Discipline to overcome destructive tendencies.

Prosperity accompanied by responsibility.

Knowledge guided by humility.

Navaratri is therefore not simply a celebration of power.

It is a reminder that power must be accompanied by wisdom, compassion, and righteousness.

The stories of the Goddess defeating destructive forces are also understood as spiritual reminders of the struggles within human nature.

Our arrogance.

Our anger.

Our selfishness.

Our ignorance.

Our inability to recognize the dignity of others.

And perhaps our tendency to perform rituals without allowing their teachings to transform our behavior.

What is the purpose of worshipping the Divine Feminine if we fail to respect the women who share our everyday lives?

That question deserves more than a ritualistic answer.

GARBA AND DANDIYA: TWO TRADITIONS, DISTINCT HISTORIES

Today, Garba and Dandiya are frequently mentioned together, sometimes as though they are interchangeable.

They are related cultural expressions, but their traditional forms and associations are not identical.

Garba is closely connected with the worship of the Mother Goddess, particularly in Gujarat.

Traditional Garba includes rhythmic clapping, circular movements, devotional singing, and collective participation.

Dandiya Raas belongs to the broader Raas dance traditions of Gujarat and is performed with wooden sticks.

Raas traditions also have associations with Krishna, while some Navaratri interpretations associate the striking sticks with the symbolic battle between divine power and destructive forces.

Over time, these traditions have influenced one another, and modern celebrations often combine their music and choreography.

There is nothing wrong with that.

But understanding the difference helps us appreciate the cultural richness behind what we casually call a Garba night.

These are not merely different dance routines.

They are traditions carrying generations of history, devotion, artistic expression, and community identity.

FROM COMMUNITY COURTYARDS TO COMMERCIAL ENTERTAINMENT

Traditionally, Garba was celebrated in village squares, temple courtyards, neighborhoods, and community gathering places.

Families participated together.

People sang devotional songs.

Musicians played traditional instruments.

Children learned by observing their elders.

The celebration was an expression of devotion, belonging, and cultural continuity.

Today, Garba has become a major cultural and commercial phenomenon.

Large venues, celebrity performers, professional DJs, elaborate sound systems, lighting productions, expensive tickets, fashion competitions, corporate sponsorships, and social media campaigns have transformed the scale of celebrations.

As a DJ and someone deeply interested in music and technology, I appreciate the creativity and professional effort behind these productions.

I understand the excitement of powerful sound, energetic music, synchronized lighting, and thousands of people enjoying themselves.

I have contributed to that experience myself.

And I do not believe modernization is inherently wrong.

In fact, it is wonderful that Garba has reached audiences across the world.

In December 2023, UNESCO inscribed Garba of Gujarat on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its significance as a living cultural tradition.

That is something to celebrate.

But recognition and popularity also bring responsibility.

When the event becomes more important than the tradition, are we preserving our culture or merely packaging it as entertainment?

When the celebrity performer matters more than the Goddess being celebrated…

When the designer outfit receives more attention than the symbolism of the dance…

When the perfect social media photograph becomes more important than understanding the occasion…

We should ask ourselves whether something meaningful is slowly disappearing.

Not because music, fashion, or entertainment are wrong.

But because celebration without understanding can eventually become disconnected from its roots.

HAS GARBA BECOME ANOTHER DATING OR HOOK-UP DESTINATION?

This is an uncomfortable question, but one I believe deserves thoughtful discussion.

Garba has always been a social celebration.

People meet. Friendships develop. Families connect. Young people interact. Sometimes relationships begin.

There is nothing inherently wrong with any of that.

Human connection is a natural and beautiful part of community celebrations.

But today, some people approach Garba primarily as a nightlife event, an opportunity to find dates, flirt, pursue casual encounters, or simply participate in the social excitement surrounding the festival.

I am not suggesting that everyone attending Garba has such intentions.

Nor am I suggesting that adults should be judged for their personal relationships or consensual choices.

My concern is not that people meet or fall in love during Garba. My concern is when the sacred meaning of the occasion becomes completely irrelevant to those participating in it.

There are countless opportunities for entertainment, socializing, romance, and nightlife.

But Garba carries a spiritual and cultural significance that deserves acknowledgment.

And there is an even more important consideration.

We spend nine nights celebrating the Divine Feminine.

We sing praises of the Goddess.

We bow before her image.

We celebrate her strength, beauty, compassion, and power.

Yet if someone attends these celebrations only to objectify women, pursue them disrespectfully, ignore boundaries, or treat them as opportunities for personal gratification, what have they understood about Shakti?

Worshipping the Goddess while disrespecting women is not devotion. It is a contradiction.

And this contradiction is not limited to Garba.

It exists whenever our religious expressions fail to influence our everyday conduct.

The true measure of devotion is not merely how enthusiastically we participate in a celebration.

It is whether the values we celebrate become part of our character.

THE QUESTION I MUST ASK MYSELF

This brings me to something deeply personal.

For years, I have stood behind DJ consoles, played music based on people’s requests, and watched celebrations unfold.

I have enjoyed being part of those moments.

But I have also wondered whether we truly understand the traditions we participate in.

And while reflecting on how society celebrates Navaratri, another question arose:

Who am I to question how others honor the Divine Feminine if I have not always demonstrated that respect perfectly in my own life?

I am human.

I have made mistakes.

And I recognize that, throughout my life, there may have been moments when I disrespected women through my words, actions, attitudes, assumptions, jokes, or even silence.

Sometimes intentionally.

Sometimes without realizing it.

Perhaps I said something I thought was harmless.

Perhaps I failed to understand how my words affected someone.

Perhaps I dismissed a perspective I should have listened to.

Perhaps I crossed a boundary without recognizing it.

Perhaps I failed to appreciate someone’s efforts, feelings, or individuality.

I cannot claim that I have always behaved with the awareness, maturity, or compassion that I should have demonstrated.

And I do not want to hide behind the excuse that I never intended to hurt anyone.

Because the absence of harmful intention does not necessarily mean the absence of harm.

Sometimes we recognize our mistakes immediately.

Sometimes it takes years of experience, reflection, and personal growth to understand what we should have done differently.

Growing older does not automatically make us wiser.

But being willing to examine ourselves can.

I cannot change the past.

I cannot undo words already spoken or actions already taken.

But I can acknowledge that I am imperfect.

I can listen.

I can learn.

And I can make a conscious effort to become a better human being.

THIS NAVARATRI, I BOW MY HEAD TO THE WOMEN IN MY LIFE

This Navaratri, I want my reflection on Shakti to extend beyond temples, prayers, music, and celebrations.

I want to acknowledge the women who have been part of my journey.

My mother, who gave me life and whose love, sacrifices, and guidance have shaped me.

My wife, who accepted me for who I am and is shaping our future generations.

My aunts, who have contributed their affection, wisdom, and support throughout different stages of my life.

My sisters, who have shared memories, experiences, and moments that have helped shape the person I am.

My friends, whose companionship, honesty, perspectives, and kindness have enriched my life.

My colleagues, whose knowledge, dedication, abilities, and contributions have taught me valuable lessons.

And every other woman whose path has crossed mine, whether for years or for just a brief moment.

To all of you, I bow my head in gratitude and humility.

And I want to say something sincerely.

I AM SORRY.

If I have ever hurt you, knowingly or unknowingly, I am sorry.

If I have ever disrespected you through my words, actions, or behavior, I am sorry.

If something I said made you uncomfortable, I am sorry.

If I failed to listen when I should have listened, I am sorry.

If I dismissed your feelings, overlooked your contributions, or took your kindness for granted, I am sorry.

If I made assumptions about you, judged you unfairly, or failed to recognize your perspective, I am sorry.

If I crossed a boundary, intentionally or unintentionally, I am sorry.

If I have caused you even a minute of pain, whether intentionally or unintentionally, I sincerely apologize.

I am not saying this because I expect forgiveness.

I understand that an apology does not erase the past.

I also understand that forgiveness is a personal choice, not something anyone owes me.

I am saying this because I believe accountability must begin with ourselves.

Before we question the behavior of others, we must be willing to examine our own.

Before we speak about respect, we must recognize the moments when we may have failed to demonstrate it.

And before we celebrate the Divine Feminine, we must ask whether our everyday behavior reflects the values we associate with her.

WOMEN DO NOT NEED TO BE GODDESSES TO DESERVE RESPECT

There is another realization I consider especially important.

In our culture, we frequently describe women as mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, or manifestations of the Goddess.

These relationships carry deep emotional significance.

But respect for women should not depend on their relationship to us.

A woman does not need to be someone’s mother, sister, daughter, wife, or a representation of the Divine to deserve dignity and respect.

She deserves respect because she is a human being.

An individual with her own identity.

Her own ambitions.

Her own choices.

Her own strengths and vulnerabilities.

Her own right to be heard, valued, and treated fairly.

We should not need to imagine a woman as our mother or sister before recognizing that she deserves respect.

And we should not need a religious festival to remind us of that responsibility.

Navaratri can inspire that realization.

But the realization must survive long after Navaratri ends.

Respecting Shakti is not merely about worshipping feminine divinity. It is also about recognizing the dignity and humanity of women in everyday life.

WHAT ARE WE TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION?

As parents and members of a community, we have a responsibility to pass on more than the visible aspects of our traditions.

Children learn by watching us.

They notice how we celebrate.

They observe how we speak.

They understand what we value through our actions.

If we teach them only the dance steps, dress codes, popular songs, and excitement of Garba, we are passing on the performance without necessarily passing on its meaning.

Imagine taking just a few minutes before attending Garba to explain:

Why the lamp is placed at the center.

Why dancers move in circles.

What the earthen pot symbolizes.

What Shakti represents.

Why Navaratri celebrates feminine divinity.

Why collective participation matters.

And why respect for others must be part of every celebration.

The children will still enjoy the music.

They will still dance enthusiastically.

They will still love the colorful outfits and festive atmosphere.

But they will carry something more valuable.

Understanding.

And perhaps, years later, when they attend a Garba celebration without us, they will remember not only the dance steps but also the values behind them.

A tradition is not truly preserved merely because the next generation repeats it. It is preserved when they understand its significance and carry its values forward.

CAN WE CELEBRATE MODERN GARBA WITHOUT LOSING ITS SOUL?

Absolutely.

I do not believe we need to return to a particular century or abandon everything modern.

I am a musician and DJ. I love technology, creativity, performance, and the extraordinary experiences that modern production can create.

Let the music be energetic.

Let the lights be spectacular.

Let the costumes be colorful.

Let people dance, laugh, socialize, and make memories.

Let young people celebrate their heritage with enthusiasm.

Let Garba continue to reach new audiences across the world.

But let us also remember why we are celebrating.

Let organizers preserve meaningful devotional elements.

Let families explain the symbolism.

Let performers recognize the cultural heritage they represent.

Let participants respect the occasion and one another.

Let the celebrations be welcoming, safe, and inclusive.

And let the values associated with Shakti influence how we treat people long after the festivities end.

Modernization should expand the reach of our traditions, not erase their meaning.

THE MOST MEANINGFUL OFFERING TO SHAKTI

Every year, during Navaratri, we offer flowers, lamps, prayers, music, and devotion to the Goddess.

We ask for courage, wisdom, prosperity, protection, happiness, and strength.

But perhaps we should also ask for something else.

The awareness to recognize our own shortcomings.

The humility to acknowledge our mistakes.

The courage to apologize when we have hurt someone.

The wisdom to learn from our experiences.

And the discipline to translate our beliefs into everyday behavior.

Because spirituality is not merely about what we do before an idol.

It is also about how we behave when nobody is watching.

It is about how we treat someone who disagrees with us.

How we respond when someone expresses discomfort.

How we acknowledge another person’s boundaries.

How we treat people from whom we expect nothing in return.

And how willing we are to change when we recognize that we have been wrong.

The most meaningful offering to the Divine Feminine may not be something we place before the Goddess. It may be the effort we make to become more compassionate, responsible, and respectful human beings.

A FINAL THOUGHT

As a DJ, I have spent years playing music that makes people dance.

And I will continue to enjoy the happiness that music brings.

But this Navaratri, I find myself reflecting on something beyond the rhythm.

Garba reminds us that life moves around a sacred center.

The lamp reminds us of the light that sustains existence.

The circle reminds us that we are part of something greater than ourselves.

And Shakti reminds us of the extraordinary power, dignity, and sacredness associated with creation.

I do not want to be someone who merely understands these ideas intellectually.

I want to make a sincere effort to practice them.

I know I will continue to make mistakes.

I know personal growth is not a destination we reach once and for all.

But I hope to become more aware of my words, more thoughtful in my actions, more respectful of others, and more willing to acknowledge my shortcomings.

To every woman who has been part of my life, thank you.

For your kindness.

For your strength.

For your wisdom.

For your patience.

For the lessons you have taught me, knowingly or unknowingly.

And once again, if I have ever caused you pain or treated you with anything less than the dignity and respect you deserve, I sincerely apologize.

I bow my head to you with gratitude, humility, and respect.

May my actions in the years ahead speak more meaningfully than these words today.

And to everyone celebrating Navaratri:

Dance wholeheartedly.

Celebrate joyfully.

Preserve the tradition.

Understand its meaning.

And carry its values beyond the celebration.

Because when the music stops, the lights go out, and the festivities end, what remains is not how perfectly we danced.

It is how meaningfully we lived the values we celebrated.

Let us not become a generation that remembers every step of Garba but forgets why we began dancing.

May the rhythm bring joy.
May the tradition bring understanding.
May Shakti inspire humility.
And may our devotion be reflected in the way we treat one another.

🙏 Jai Mata Di!

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