Know why men dress as women for Garba in Ahmedabad

As Navratri festivities kick off across India on Thursday, a captivating tradition in Ahmedabad’s historic Sadu Mata Ni Pol is drawing attention. Each year, on the eighth night of Navratri, men from the Barot community dress in sarees to perform Garba, honoring an ancient curse linked to their ancestors.

Durga Puja 2024: Get all updated News, Videos and Photos of Durga Puja

This ritual, steeped in history and legend, symbolizes penance and devotion. According to local lore, over 200 years ago, a woman named Saduben sought refuge from the men of the Barot community when a Mughal nobleman attempted to take her as a concubine. Tragically, when the men failed to protect her, Saduben lost her child and, in her grief, cursed the men, declaring that their descendants would suffer as cowards before committing ‘sati.’

On the night of Ashtami, Sadu Mata Ni Pol, home to over 1,000 residents, transforms into a vibrant celebration. The narrow lanes of this historic neighborhood come alive with crowds eager to witness men gracefully twirling in sarees to the rhythmic beats of Sheri Garba, a traditional folk dance.

To appease Sadu Mata’s spirit and lift the curse, a temple was built in her honor. Each year, men gather in sarees to perform Garba as an act of penance, a tradition that continues to attract visitors from across the city, eager to witness this powerful display of cultural heritage.

Navratri 2024: Dandiya fever takes over Odisha Capital with ‘Kalinga Garba Raas’

While some may view this practice as a challenge to gender norms, for the Barot community, it embodies humility and respect. The ritual serves to atone for past sins while also expressing gratitude for the blessings bestowed by Sadu Mata. Men who have made personal wishes—ranging from success in business to health or family—participate in this event as a way to thank the goddess when their prayers are answered.

Traditionally, the Barot community has served as genealogists, storytellers, and chroniclers, preserving oral histories and documenting family lineages, particularly for Rajput and Kshatriya families. Their role has evolved over time, but they remain an essential part of Gujarat’s cultural tapestry, especially visible during festivals like Navratri.

One participant shared that he has donned a saree for five years to express gratitude to Sadu Mata. After praying for prosperity and a son, he feels deeply connected to the tradition, seeing it as a meaningful way to acknowledge the blessings in his life.

Navratri 2024: Here is where you can go for Dandiya Nights in Bhubaneswar

Ultimately, this tradition goes beyond simply appeasing a curse; it is a heartfelt homage to the goddess believed to have protected and blessed families for generations. Sadu Mata Ni Pol transforms into a sacred space, where men of all ages pay tribute to Sadu Mata, dressed in colorful sarees, as an expression of faith.

As India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, Ahmedabad is rich in history and tradition. The practice of men performing Garba in sarees is a vibrant example of the city's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, with Sadu Mata Ni Pol standing as a testament to the resilience and devotion of the Barot community.