Learn more about Nirja Desai’s Humans of Garba doodle series on Instagram.
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Navratri is almost over. And we’ve probably seen these types of people at the garba scene. Which one are you? 😉
She is the one with the trendiest chaniya choli (blouse and skirt with the scarf) on, her aunt probably just brought them from India last week. What do you think her name is?
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Here is a guy who went all out with his outfit, with a kediyu (traditional Gujarati shirt) and paghdi (turban). There to win the ‘best dressed award’. Probably sweats a lot. What do you think his name is?
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This girl is bringing out her inner savrastran (North west? Gujarat) with the tattoos on her face (she has drawn them in but a generation ago women actually had tattoos on their faces) and oxidized jewelry. She is a fan of the those trendy stud nose rings. She is there to throw down some ‘gamad’ (from the village) moves. What do you think her name is?
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This guy is the ‘cool dude,’ wearing sunglasses at night 🙄. Popping collar and a nice sleeveless koti (jacket) on without a shirt to show off his tattoo (this is a real one). Basically there to just look cool. Garba is secondary. Also found hanging around motorcycles with a classic Coca-Cola bottle in hand. What do you think his name is?
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Here we have a wanna be Ranveer Singh, all Ram Leela from the outside but only knows dance steps from #khalibali and #malhaari. What do you think his name is?
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…and there is always a very enthusiastic baa (grandma) that will do garba from start to finish.
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…if there is a baa (grandma), there has to be a dada (grandpa). “Company apva javu pade” (I have to go to give her company).
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Here we have a model. All modern, with a fashionable bindi. She doesn’t want to mess up her curls so she barely moves during garba. Mmhmm.
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The guy who was forced to be there🤓
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This girl came to garba like she’s about to get married.
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Garbas in America are all at a Gym, so there is always a basketball court. This kid is either playing basketball or found around the samosa stalls. Navratri is the time gujjus (Gujaratis) get in their workout for the whole year. 💪🏾
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Here we have a wannabe Deepika Padukone. You know that hair is gonna go everywhere when she is going to do ‘Nagada sang dhol’ dance moves for EVERY Garbo (songs). There to whip her hair back and forth.
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And this guy, who knows this guy? #wahbeta #atulpurohit
“Can’t find my face” girl. Yup, she is the extra one. Wearing every jewelry and beautiful yet heavy clothing. No idea how she just keeps spinning. She will also win the best dressed award.
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He is just your regular dude. Secretly hopes to find the love of his life at the garba. Maybe even do Dandiya with her.
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A new mother, doing garba with her child in her arms ♥️ the little girl usually is wearing the cutest chaniya choli.
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Nirja Desai is a graphics editor for Science Magazine. She is originally from India and now residing in Virginia. She has always been interested in art and science. Find her work at https://www.instagram.com/kalakar and nirjadesai.com.
