Indian Garba

Last weekend our friend Devanshi invited my friends and I to an Indian Garba which was definitely something new for us but so much fun and worth it. Garba is a form of dance which originated in the state of Gujarati, India, where our friend Devanshi is from. This dance is very spiritual and traditional for Gujarati people most of the songs they dance along to revolve around the subjects of Lord Krishna and nine goddesses. The dance is performed in a circle as time in Hinduism is cyclical, and the dance is also performed with dandiya or sticks which represent the swords of a goddess called Durga. 

The traditional costumes consist of colorful Chaniya choli which is a three-piece dress however for this event of course the rest of the girls and I don't own any traditional Indian attire but our friend Dee worked her magic and lent us some of her beautiful Indian silk scarves, bangles, and bindis and quickly styled us up! I wouldn't have mind wearing a beautiful bright colorful attire, but when Dee pulled out this beautiful black and gold scarf I knew I had to wear it, it even complimented the jewelry I brought for the dance!  It was such a new thing for me since I've never been to an Indian event or seen such a high-energy dance like this one, it was so hard to keep up lol! However,  it was still a fun experience to watch and capture :)

x

StephC

Pow Wow Festival

Last weekend was my first time attending Pow Wow Festival in Long Beach, I believe it is one of the largest festivals of its kind in Southern California. Pow Wow Festival celebrates American Indian culture including: arts, crafts, music, inter-tribal dancing, food and vendors selling traditional and contemporary art. The food seemed pretty interesting and yummy too, the native food sold was mutton, beef stew, Navajo tacos, fry bread, and Indian burgers.  I find Native American culture so interesting, I love how many people gathered to celebrate their Native American heritage along with other native tribes. My favorite was the performers' native wear there were so many beautiful intricate detailed garments with bright colors, ethnic prints,  tassels, fringe, embroidery, and feathers. There was so much inspiration for sure, loved it! I hope to check it out next year again :)

Happy weekend lovelies!

x

StephC