The Goddesses’ Call to Dance: Experiences of Garba Dancers During Navaratri

Abstract

This dissertation uses a phenomenological hermeneutic approach, and Moustakas’ heuristic method, to explore the experiences of garba dancers during Navaratri, a Goddess festival celebrated in Gujarat, India, and throughout the Gujarati diaspora, with community circle dances. Individual depictions highlight the experience of 12 adult participants, interviewed using an open-ended, conversational style. Explication of themes suggest that garba dancers may experience: (a) heightened aesthetic appreciation and sensory immersion; (b) predominantly positive experiences of family, cultural and spiritual traditions, with harmony; (c) spiritual connection with positive emotions; (d) personal benefits, such as inner strength, self discipline, and increase in physical energy; (e) witnessing catharsis in others; (f) experience of inner peace and a reduction in anxiety; (g) introversion of the personality and suppression of the personal ego; (h) experience of a trance-like, or meditative state; (i) increase in creativity; (j) sense of meeting personal goals, fulfilling duties and cultural obligations; (k) greater awareness of one’s sexuality and body functioning; (l) direct social benefits, such as enjoying time with others, and exchanging valuable information; (m) opportunity to part from social norms; (n) feelings of belongingness, acceptance, inclusion, and a reaffirmation of cultural identities; (o) emerging awareness of the junction of gender and garba dance, which may lead to self reflection regarding personal relationships. A creative synthesis depicting the archetype of a garba dancer, possible clinical applications, and suggestions for further study are offered.