What is Raas?

Garba and Raas are two different folk dance forms that are traditionally performed during the Hindu festival of Navratri, which literally means “nine nights,” and is done in celebration of the goddess of strength and power.



The dance form of Garba is very fluid and graceful and often performed in circles with elaborate footwork and clapping. The dance form of Raas is very powerful and characterized by its use of dandiya, narrow sticks, which are used both aesthetically as ornamentation as well as musically to keep rhythm.

 

The dances are both rooted in religion and tradition, and they are still found in this form during Navratri when communities host events for the holiday in which people can get together to dance.  However, in recent years, garba/raas has transformed into a exciting competitive dance field with many teams across the nation developing the craft and spreading South Asian culture throughout the country.