2 weeks Ago By Mini Thomas
Kinjal Karia with her students Kinjal Karia, a 35-year-old homemaker, finds herself irresistibly drawn to the rhythms of Gotilo, Tetudo, and Galgoto at Smondoville , a sprawling 1140-unit apartment complex in Electronic City. With Navratri approaching, Kinjal dedicates her time to giving Dandiya and Garba lessons to the residents of her apartment free of cost. Her 30 students are predominantly women between the ages of 25 and 50.
Kinjal is a Gujarati, but her students are not. But the students are all very enthusiastic. Some, however, have never set foot on a dance floor before.
“So I take on the additional role of a mentor, focusing on building their self-assurance and motivating them to excel,” Kinjal says. Navratri celebrations are the centrepiece of Kinjal’s life. Smondoville has a substantial Gujarati community , and during Navratri, the place turns into a miniature Gujarat.
Like Kinjal, there are many in Bengaluru who find joy in giving free dance lessons and ensuring that everyone has a wonderful time during the Navratri season. Priti Kumari, who works as a supply chain professional at a startup turned unicorn, is a much sought after dance teacher at Springfields , her apartment complex on Sarjapur Road. Priti’s love for Garba began when she was nine, and living in Surat.
Even at that age, Priti was allowed to stay out until 3 am, immersing herself in dancing, eating, and playing with friends during Navratri. “So I always wanted my daughter and girls in our community to experience the joy of getting together and celebrating in a safe and fulfilling environment. Garba, for me, is a form of expression of freedom, individuality, community, and unity,” smiles Priti.
Growing up, her father’s transferable job exposed her to various parts of India, allowing her to appreciate folk dances like Bihu and Lavani, besides Garba. In 2004, she moved to Bengaluru for her graduation and has since made the city her home. Following the Covid pandemic, Priti noticed a growing interest in learning Garba and Dandiya among the women in her society.
She eagerly volunteered to teach. “In the first year, around 30 people showed up. Due to the high turnout, a Dandiya night was organised the following month, where the group performed,” she recollects, citing the Gal Goto song as one of her personal favourites from last year’s performance.
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