Why Men Wear Sarees to Perform Garba in Ahmedabad Every Navratri
Why Men Wear Sarees to Perform Garba in Ahmedabad Every Navratri
Every Navratri, the old city of Ahmedabad bursts into colours, lights, and traditions. Among all the rituals, one stands out in a narrow lane called Sadu Mata Ni Pol. On the eighth night of the festival, men from the Barot community step into sarees and perform Garba. This dance, called Saduma na Garba, has been going on for over 200 years and carries with it a story of pain, penance, and respect.
The roots of this tradition go back to a woman named Saduben. According to local legend, Saduben once turned to the Barot men for help. A Mughal nobleman had demanded that she become his mistress, and she hoped the men of the community would protect her. But they did not come forward. This moment of refusal changed everything for her.
Because Saduben did not receive protection, she lost her child. Filled with grief and anger, she cursed the men of the community. The curse declared that their future generations would be cowardly. Soon after, Saduben is believed to have performed sati—an act where a woman gives up her life on her husband’s funeral pyre. Her tragic end left a mark so deep that even today, centuries later, the Barot men remember her through this Garba.
A 200-Year-Old Promise in Ahmedabad
Since that time, the Barot men have worn sarees and danced Garba on the eighth night of Navratri. They do this as an act of atonement—a way of saying sorry to Saduben for the mistake of their ancestors. It is not just a dance but a way to honour her memory and sacrifice. For them, this tradition is about more than music and rhythm. It is about humility, devotion, and keeping a promise alive through generations.
This year’s Saduma na Garba was captured on video and shared by the Instagram page @awesome.amdavad. The video quickly went viral, crossing nearly two million views. People from across the country admired the men’s devotion and praised the cultural depth of this practice. Many said it was not just a dance but a powerful message about respect for women and remembering history.
For the people of Ahmedabad’s old city, this event is not only a Navratri celebration. It is also a reminder of the values that hold communities together. By wearing sarees, the men show that traditions can be both strong and humble at the same time. The dance has become a symbol of faith, respect, and a way of passing down history to future generations.
Navratri in Ahmedabad
Navratri in Ahmedabad is known for its grand celebrations, but rituals like Saduma na Garba show the soul of the festival. They keep alive the memory of stories that might otherwise be forgotten. In every step of the dance, the Barot men show devotion to Sadu Mata, as Saduben is now remembered, and keep alive a promise that is more than two centuries old.
