Gujarat : 72-Step Garba Set to Spark New Navratri Trend in Surat

SURAT: With Navratri just days away, Gujarat’s Garba fever is reaching a crescendo, and Surat’s khelaiyas are preparing to take the dance floor by storm with a first-of-its-kind 72-step Garba concept that blends Indian and Western dance elements.

While enthusiasts across Ahmedabad and Surat have been sweating it out in Garba classes for nearly three months, the focus this year is firmly on innovative choreography, energetic yet easy-to-follow steps and styles that can keep dancers going late into the night.

Surat-based Garba instructor Hiral Dadiya said the 72-step sequence has emerged as a major attraction among dancers preparing for Navratri.

“This year, we have introduced a 72-step Garba sequence by blending Indian and Western dance elements. The response from khelaiyas has been extremely encouraging,” Dadiya said.

She added that variations of popular forms such as Kachuko, Dakla, 32-step and 22-step Garba are also being introduced to prevent repetitive movements and give dancers something new to showcase on the grounds.

“The steps are designed to be energetic but easy to perform. The idea is to allow dancers to enjoy Garba for hours without feeling exhausted,” she said.

The trend is not limited to Surat. Ahmedabad is witnessing strong interest in Mandali Garba, while traditional Dandiya is also making a comeback with contemporary variations.

Janvi Patwa, who has been conducting Garba classes for nearly a decade, said around 200 to 250 trainees have enrolled for training in styles including Surti Garba, Amdavadi Garba, Popatiyu, Hinch, Dodhiyu, Timli and Mandali.

Meanwhile, special beginner batches are attracting people who are hesitant to enter large Garba circles. Abhishek Acharya, founder of A Squad Dance Studio, said many participants above 40 have joined the programme, where they learn basic movements such as Teen Taali and Dakla.

“Many beginners feel nervous about dancing in large circles. We teach them around 20 basic steps so they can participate confidently,” Acharya said.

At Shyam Garba in Surat, trainer Krupali said Mandali Garba and Dandiya Garba are among the biggest trends this season. Mandali follows a simple eight-step pattern—six steps forward and two backward—making it accessible to dancers across age groups.

In Ahmedabad, Karan Singal of Unstoppable Dance Studios and Events said more than 150 dancers aged between eight and 65 are training daily.

From children to senior citizens, Gujarat’s khelaiyas are now counting down to Navratri, with fresh choreography set to add a new dimension to the state’s biggest dance festival.