For some in Karachi, garba is an act of devotion. For others, it is a way to keep their Gujarati heritage alive across borders
Amarshi Bhatti (46), who works in Karachi’s health department, says security remains essential. Khoja underlines a distinct practice among Khoja Ismaili Muslims, who perform garba on Oct 12 to mark the birthday of their 50th imam While Gujarati Muslim families perform it at weddings and social gatherings. She is organising a garba night on Oct 25, open to people of all religions.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Ahmedabad | Silver Rate in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Petrol Price in Ahmedabad | Diesel Price in Ahmedabad | CNG Price in Ahmedabad | LPG Price in Ahmedabad Stay updated with the latest Ahmedabad news.
“There is no difference between garba in Pakistan and garba in India,” says Ramesh Mana (84), a social activist and columnist who has watched the celebrations for decades. When “Pankhida re udi jaajo” rings out, the song needs no passport to find an audience in Karachi. Classics such as “Umbre ubhi sambhlu re bol” share the dance floor with Bollywood favourites “Dholi taro dhol baaje” and “Chogada tara”, drawing younger participants. But it has seldom happened that a garba in Karachi has led to a clash or tension,” he says. Hyder Khoja, who leads a movement to preserve the Gujarati language in Karachi, says garba has become more visible over the past decade. “More people are taking part, and non-Gujaratis are showing interest too,” he says. Senior journalist and Gujarati linguist Syed Abdul Rehman says social media has exposed younger Pakistanis to festivals and traditions beyond their immediate communities. “Views on music, dancing and participation differ within Muslim communities,” he says. That is its true purpose,” she says.
A folk song that sends a little bird flying towards a goddess in Gujarat has found its wings in Pakistan, where generations of Gujarati-speaking communities have kept garba alive through Navratri, weddings and social gatherings. A new initiative aims to bring people of different religions and backgrounds together on a single dance floor. In Karachi’s Narayanpura, Ranchhor Lane and Keamari neighbourhoods, garba is a fixture on the festive calendar. Hindu families organise celebrations throughout Navratri, while Gujarati Muslim communities dance at social events. For some, it is an act of devotion. For others, a way to keep their Gujarati heritage alive across borders. Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev temple and Swaminarayan temple are among Karachi’s prominent venues for garba. As in Gujarat, celebrations range from neighbourhood gather-ings to larger organised events. “We have to arrange bouncers. Eruj Fatima, a Karachi influencer who recently graduated in New York, wants to turn that shared cultural thread into a gathering that cuts across community lines. “When I came back to Pakistan, I noticed that people from different communities performed garba, but often within their own circles. A garba night brings everyone together under one roof, celebrating unity in diversity. Garba’s magic lies less in who knows the steps than in who joins the circle, and “you often dance with people you have never met. That is what makes it special,” she adds. For a few hours on the dance floor, borders and backgrounds can all take a back seat. The circle keeps moving, and everyone has a place in it. Download the TOI App.