News In Frames: A circle for all

Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival celebrated in Gujarat, honors the goddess Amba or Durga through the traditional folk dance Garba. In 2023, this dance form was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. During the festival, young men and women dressed in vibrant attire gather on large grounds to dance in concentric circles to devotional songs.

The Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, a venue of the Gaekwad royal family, hosts a massive celebration that attracts over 80,000 participants each year.

This inclusive Garba holds special significance as it has become a safe space where the LGBTQIA+ community finds acceptance and belonging. Members of this community actively participate in the core temple team, assisting with the nightly puja for Ma Ambe under the sacred banyan tree, Bolto Ambo. Radhikaraje Gaekwad, who initiated this inclusive celebration, started her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic when she worked to connect with the community.

Today, their contributions encompass various aspects of the festival, from creating jewelry and preparing food to performing the dance.

For many, the inclusive Garba at the Lakshmi Vilas Palace is more than just a festival; it is a sacred space where they can openly express their identities and feel a sense of belonging. The community’s presence and efforts have transformed the event into a unique experience that bridges cultural traditions with modern inclusivity.