As Navratri celebrations grip Indian streets, people are preparing to don their favourite Kediyas and Chaniya Cholis, and dance to the high-intensity beats of Gujarati music. Garba, a significant part of the festivities, boasts of a fanbase beyond geographical or cultural boundaries. Over the past few years, its scope has also extended from a festive symbol to a fitness activity.

Garba fitness classes and workout tutorials including elements of the dance form are gaining prominence. This folk dance, which entails high-power steps, has several health benefits, Alpesh Rawal, a Mumbai-based Garba instructor says, “It offers a holistic combination of physical and mental wellness. It makes for a good cardio workout for weight loss. The high-energy movements such as fast-paced footwork, twirls, etc., help in burning calories.”