Description
In the Gujrati tradition, your wedding festivities may incorporate a Garba. The Garba may be performed at the Sangeet, Reception or any other wedding night. In fact, you may choose to have your own Garba party. Traditionally, the Garba is a religious dance in honour of Mother Earth. It is also fun and interactive. The Garba is performed by a group of women who dance in a circular pattern and clap their hands.

Preparation
Either the bride or groom's families may host the Garba party. The Bride's closest friends and sisters should prepare the first dance. After this, the remaining guests are invited to join in. The Garba party requires lots of space for dancing and watching the performers. Choose a hall or a venue that has room for a large dance floor. Prepare the appropriate music and props to make the Garba complete.


Ideas and Tips
1. Ask the performers to wear traditional Gujrati outfits such as brightly coloured ghagras and silver jewelry, anklets and tikas. Men may also wear traditional clothing, including turbans and vests.

2. Have a side activity or quieter area for those who need to get away from the excitement.

3. Hire a musician or DJ and ensure he or she is well versed in Garba music and traditions.

4. To create the atmosphere, serve Gujrati-style dishes, decorate using Bandani patterns and mirror-worked fabrics and light plenty of diyas and candles.


Activities
1. Begin with Aarti to evoke the Gods and offer your prayers. At a Garba Party, the aarti may include dancing with diyas in hand.

2. Include a Duha, or fast-paced song that involves the men.

3. Prepare a Dandiya Raas.... Pair up women and men and provide them with bamboo sticks to perform. You may start with a professional number, but then include your guests for fun!

4. End with a Jaag, a slower-paced dance in which women carry or hold lamps on their heads. Several women should begin and the rest of the guests may join in.