New Delhi: Garba is celebrated during Navratri in Gujarat, but in Shahpur area of Ahmedabad, a tradition of this festival is performed which attracts people’s attention. Here men of Barot community perform Garba wearing colourful sarees. This event, organised in honour of Sadu Mata by applying vermilion dot on the forehead, is associated with a 200 years old folk tale and the spirit of atonement. On Sunday night, 18th October also, people of the community followed this tradition at Sadu Mata Ni Pol. According to local people, people from other communities also participated in it.
Why do men perform Garba wearing saree?
Every year, on the eighth night of Navratri, men wearing sarees perform Garba at Sadu Mata Ni Pol, located in the Shahpur area of the old city of Ahmedabad. At least 40 men from the Barot community and other devotees participate in this event. Applying a red vermillion bindi on the forehead along with the saree is also a part of this ritual. People of the community consider it not just a dance or celebration but a medium to pay respect to Sadu Mata, seek forgiveness for past mistakes and pray for the well-being of the families.
Who was Sadu Mata?
According to local resident Tushar Barot, this tradition is related to the incident when Sadu Mata of the community was known for her beauty. According to folklore, the ruler of Ahmedabad at that time had ordered her to be called to his court. A group of soldiers was sent for this, but the people of Barot community opposed taking them to the court against the wishes of Sadu Mata. During this protest there was a clash between the community people and the soldiers.
How is the feeling of atonement related to the death of mother-in-law?
According to the story prevalent in the community, when the threat of Sadu Mata being forcibly taken away increased, she killed her daughter Ajuba and then asked her husband Hathisingh Barot to kill her with a single blow of the sword. She wanted to avoid being forcibly taken to the royal court. After this incident, people in the community felt deep regret for not being able to save her.
How did the curse on the community come to be believed?
Local people say that after the death of Sadu Mata, the belief spread among the Barot community that their families had been cursed. According to people in the community, men in many families started dying and concerns arose about the future of the future generations. After this, people gathered at the temple built in honour of Sadu Mata to atone for their mistake and prayed for the well-being of their families and future generations. The community believes that after this prayer, prosperity returned to the families.
Since when did wearing a garba in a saree become a tradition of Navratri
According to community members, the men had promised to wear clothes belonging to Sadu Mata as a pledge to seek forgiveness from Sadu Mata. With time, this resolution turned into a tradition of performing Garba wearing a saree on the eighth night of Navratri. Today men of different ages take part in it. This year also men from other communities participated in the event. For devotees, this ritual is a symbol of faith, repentance and community solidarity.
How is this tradition reaching the new generation?
People of Barot community are emphasising passing on this tradition to the next generation. Local resident Pintu Barot reached Ahmedabad with his family to attend the event. He said that his 10-year-old son, brother and nephew are participating in this Garba for the first time. According to 60-year-old Satish Barot, he has been a part of this ritual for more than four decades. In this way, this unique tradition of Ahmedabad is keeping alive the shared memories of family and community along with religious faith.
