Porni Banerjee | ০১ মে ২০২৪ ১১ : ১৫

May 1 is globally recognised as May Day or International Labour Day. But this day also holds immense significance for Gujarat and Maharashtra. Carved out of the Bombay state, both Maharashtra and Gujarat were formed as two different states on the same day in 1960 through the Bombay Reorganization Act to uphold their own cultural identities.

To mark their statehood foundation day, the Gujarati community celebrate their culture with immense pomp and joy. And for Gujarati women settled in London, this is a day of showcasing togetherness and spreading love.

This year, to celebrate the UNESCO status of Garba, the founders of British Women in Sarees (BWIS), Dr Tripti Jain and Rashmi Mishra in collaboration with Inspiring Indian Women and National Council of Gujarati Organisation brought under one roof 250 women dancers from all walks of life to celebrate ‘The Big Garba’ event on April 21.

Decked up in their traditional colourful ghagra choli, the participants, some miles away from their native country, painted the town with great fervour as they displayed their traditional Garba dance at London Tower Bridge, King’s Cross station and the city"s other iconic places to celebrate the rich culture, tradition and the legacy of Gujarat. Similar dance forms and elaborate preparations were also organised on Wednesday (May 1) at some of the most thriving spots in London.

Garba is a dance form originated in Gujarat that honours, worships, and celebrates the feminine form of divinity. The word ‘garba’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘garbha’, meaning womb. Traditionally, the dance was performed by women in a circle around a clay lantern with a lamp inside, called a ‘garbha deep’ (womb lamp), that represented the concept of time among Hindus.

In Hinduism, time is cyclical, revolving around birth, death and rebirth. The only constant is the Goddess, an immortal element in the midst of this unending and infinite movement. Hence, Garba symbolises that God, radiating the undying feminine energy in the constantly changing universe.

As part of their vibrant culture of giving back to the Gujarati community, people other than the Gujarati diaspora came forward to experience and enjoy this unique dance style through the event who took home some beautiful memories of colourful celebrations of India. The programme had sent a strong message of embracing the state’s rich cultural milieu.