Navratri, a nine-day long festival, is celebrated to honour the Hindu deity of strength and power–Durga. During these nine Navratri days, devotees go to great lengths to offer prayers to the Devi. One such way is through Garba, a traditional dance form that symbolises divine feminity and the cycle of life. Garba stems from the Sanskrit word garbha, meaning womb. When men, women, and children perform Garba during this auspicious period, it is in honour of the divine energy of the Devi that resides in their bodies.
Besides the historical significance of the Navratri Garba that originated in Gujarat and slowly took over the entire nation, Garba binds devotees to the Goddess Durga through music and dance.
10 famous Garba songs
The best way to enjoy Gujarati Garba is to sway to the beats of these popular songs:
1. Radhe Radhe
A love song from the Bollywood movie Dream Girl, Radhe Radhe is a catchy number with beats that work perfectly with Garba moves. What is Navratri Garba without some cliche Bollywood music that depicts Radha's love for Lord Krishna?
2. Kesariyo Rang
This traditional folk song has a soul-enlightening melody that can put you into a devotional trance. Sway along the Aradhana beats of Kesariyo Rang as an ode to Goddess Durga. A Garba song that has been around for 100 years, it has plenty of versions remixed by new artists. But the song still manages to stir energy so powerful that it will compel you to sway with passion.
3. Gori Radha
A Gujarati bhajan composed by music maestro duo Sachin-Jigar, Gori Radha Ne Kado Kaan sung by Divya Kumar has scintillating beats. The tune and composition of the Garba song will leave you tapping your feet in spiritual bliss.
4. Nagada Sang Dhol
A playful romantic song from the Bollywood movie Ram-Leela featuring Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, Nagada Sang Dhol is packed with energy and enthusiasm. A dandiya song that is also perfect for Navratri Garba, the tune is dramatic and captivating just like the reel-life performance of the actors.
5. Radha Ne Shyam 2.0
Sung by Sachin Sanghvi and composed by Sachin-Jigar, Radha Ne Shyam was released last year amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. A melodious track that will make you feel warm and emotionally invested in the festival, Radha Ne Shyam is a must-add to your Garba songs list for 2022.
6. Dholida
In the movie Loveyatri, Dholida has authentic Garba drum beats that make dancing to the track a delight. This modern-day Garba song featuring Ayush Sharma and Warina Hussain will force you to shake a leg, no matter your age.
7. Moti Veraana
Sung by ace composer and artist Amit Trivedi, Moti Veraana was recorded for the auspicious occasion of Navratri. Amit Trivedi’s melodious voice along with catchy Garba beats in this song brings a balance of old tunes and fresh vibes to the dance floor.
8. Shubharambh
Another crowd-pleasing Garba track from the movie Kai Po Che, Shubharambh is a slow but irresistible song for Navratri. Sung by Shruti Pathak and Divya Kumar, the song is composed by Amit Trivedi.
9. Pari Hu Main
Although this iconic 90s song was sung by Suneeta Rao, the rendition of Pari Hu Main by the unproclaimed queen of Navratri Garba aka Falguni Pathak will make you undoubtedly sway. Known for her melodious voice and unmissable beats, Falguni’s popular track is apt to show off your Garba moves this Navratri.
10. Dholi Taro Dhol Baje
Bollywood’s iconic dandiya song, Dholi Taro Dhol Baje from the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam honoured folk music before it became cool. Sung by legendary artists like Hariharan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, and Ismail Darbar—the song is like a melody to the ears while the beats are perfect to get you hopping from your chair to the dance floor.
Is it even Navratri if you are not celebrating it the Gujarati way? Groove to the beats of these popular Garba songs as you offer yourself to Goddess Durga in her nine avatars and seek blessings for a prosperous New Year. If you are fasting these nine days, here is a Beginner’s Guide To Navratri Fasting to help you through the religious days of Maa Durga.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication only.