In a spectacular display, tens of thousands of women wearing bright red and green colours against the golden sand in India’s Gujarat state gathered to perform the traditional ‘Raas’ dance to mark a two-day spiritual festival.
Drone footage show-cased the extraordinary display, which is described as a message of peace and harmony performed by around 37,000 women.
The Raas dance is believed to be 5,000 years old.
As per the local media, the venue for the festival, Dwarka, an ancient coastal city of Gujarat is site of the Hindu deity, Lord Krishna’s kingdom.
One of the dancing women told Reuters the opportunity was available for all.
“The surrender (to Hindu deity, Lord Krishna) here is for everyone, all of mankind, may we all remain able, united, healthy, and grow, that the grace of God, almighty Lord of Dwarka, Sri Krishna (Hindu deity), is always bestowed upon us.”
Another participant said there was a purpose behind the effort as well.
“We want the younger generations to learn that they must preserve our tradition and culture the same way that we have, as a generation. Hail, Lord of Dwarka!”
Most of the participating women were from Gujarat’s Ahir community joining with some even coming from abroad to join.
Organisers said more than 100,000 people attended the festivities.
The western state of Gujarat is also home to the traditional ‘Garba’ dance associated with the feminine energy.
It made its way to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity earlier this month.
“Over the decades Garba has been an integral, multivalent component of Gujarati culture in India and among the Indian diaspora across the globe,” UNESCO said on December 6, 2023.
The recognition statement further noted that Garaba continues to be inclusive and participative by diverse and marginalised communities, strengthening community bonds.
Reuters/ABC