Navratri is a vibrant festival celebrated in India every year. The auspicious and significant festival spans nine days. Navratri 2024 starts on October 3 and will conclude on October 12 with Dussehra. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga. During this time, Goddess Durga’s nine divine forms are worshipped. Devotees spend time visiting temples, offering prayers and worshipping Goddess Durga. During the festival, streets come alive with music, dances and cultural performances. Garba is an important tradition of Navratri, but what really captures everyone’s attention is the 200-year-old tradition where men wear sarees and twirl for Sheri Garba at Ahmedabad’s Sadu Mata Ni Pol, the eight night of Navratri. Here’s all you need to know about the tradition. Navratri 2024: What Are Different Types of Garba? From ‘Be Taali’ to ‘Dodhiyu,’ Learn All About Garba Dance To Perform During The Nine Nights of Sharad Navaratri Festival (Watch Tutorial Videos).

In Ahmedabad, Gujarat, a unique tradition has lasted for centuries. Every Navratri, on the eighth night known as Sadu Mata Ni Pol, the men of the Barot community wear sarees and twirl and perform the folk dance called Sheri Garba. This is not simply a ritual, but it is deeply seeped in history. According to legends, over two centuries ago, a woman named Saduben sought help from the Barot men when she was pursued by a Mughal noble. The men failed to protect her, which led to her losing her child. Due to this, she cursed the men of the Barot community, saying that their future generations would be cowards.

In order to repent, men from the Barot community began dressing as women in sarees and performing Sheri Garba on the eighth night of Navratri, known as Sadu Mata Ni Pol. To appease Sadu Mata’s spirit, a temple was also built in her honour. Aditya Gadhvi Garba Songs for Navratri 2024: From 'Gotilo' Song to 'Rang Morla', Here Are Best Gujarati Garba Songs To Enjoy the Nine-Night Festival of October Navaratri (Watch Videos).

Sadu Mata Ni Pol Tradition

The tradition of the men wearing sarees and performing Garba on the eighth night of Navratri has been passed down through generations. It serves as a reminder of the Barot community’s past and their commitment to honouring Sadu Mata.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 03, 2024 02:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).