Rajkot, October 13 (Daily Kiran) : The Navratri festival in Gujarat is not just about Garba and Dandiya; it also features a remarkable blend of valor and tradition. On Monday night, Rajput women performed the traditional sword dance in Rajkot and Jamnagar. Armed with gleaming swords and dressed in traditional attire, these women showcased their confidence and skill on the dance floor.
The historical grounds of Rajkot Palace hosted a special presentation of sword dance by women from the Kshatriya community, a tradition that has been celebrated for nearly two decades. This event is organized by an institution dedicated to preserving the ancient culture of Garba and Raas.
One participant expressed her pride in attracting viewers from afar to witness this unique dance. “Our organization is committed to promoting this tradition along with the ancient Garba culture. We have worked hard for this, and we receive excellent training. Even women who are new to swordplay are given detailed instruction. The event is running very smoothly at the palace,” she shared.
Another senior member, who has been involved with the event for 15 years, noted that the performance is especially for the sisters of the Kshatriya community. “We have been doing this program for about 18 years, so it is not new to us. The sisters begin their practice about a month to six weeks before Navratri. During the performance at the palace grounds, we showcase various sword techniques and stunts,” she explained.
She added that the swords have weight, which can cause discomfort when first handled. This is why rigorous practice is conducted for a month to ensure that the performance is flawless and full of energy.
A similar enchanting scene unfolded at the Aashapura Garbi Mandal in Jamnagar’s Hathi Colony, where young girls adorned in traditional outfits participated in the sword dance.
According to Girish Pandya, an organizer at the Aashapura Garbi Mandal, Garba has been celebrated here for the past 45 years, while the sword dance tradition has been upheld for the last 20 years. “Women and young girls start practicing a month and a half before Navratri. The sword dance conveys a message of women’s empowerment. When women dance with swords as Goddess Jagdamba, it symbolizes their strength, confidence, and self-defense capabilities. This is why the sword dance at Aashapura Garbi Mandal is quite famous in Jamnagar,” he stated.
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