what is dandiya

Dandiya is a traditional folk dance originating from the Indian state of Gujarat and is popularly performed during the festival of Navaratri. The dance is performed in pairs, with men and women playing dandiya-raas and dancing energetically with colorful sticks. The sticks used in the dance represent the sword of Goddess Durga, and the dance form is also called "The Sword Dance". The dance attire comprises of bamboo sticks painted in bright colors, multi-colored embroidered choli, ghagra, and bandhani dupattas (traditional attire) with mirror work and heavy jewelry. The dance form represents a battle between the demon Mahishasura and the Goddess Durga, and it is also said to have originated from Krishna and Radhas raas leela. Dandiya is performed after the aarti is done, as a part of the merriment, while Garba is performed before aarti, as a worshipping ritual. The significant difference between Garba and Dandiya is that Garba is played by hands and involves various hand and foot movements with occasional clapping, while Dandiya is played with colorful dandiya sticks.