Nagar Utsavs-2

Navaratri was primarily celebrated with a view to propitiating the Goddess Ambaji; the cultural and social aspects were supplementary. Nowadays, the latter considerations are predominant. The festival has almost become identical with what is popularly known as the Garba. A garba can be defined as singing of devout songs in praise of Goddess Ambaji in company with others. It is sung by women forming a circle. Each woman carries a earthen pot- it has a lighted lamp inside- with holes. This was the original manner of the recital of songs by the pretty girls of the community. An element of dance was also obvious through out. The garba is a gift from Nagar women to Hindu society at large. Originally, the garbas were sung exclusively in praise of Goddess Ambaji. The variation in thematic content and style is a modern innovation. Today, the garba is used as a source of entertainment and has lost its original purpose.
Although their main deities are Hatkeshwar and Ambika, Nagars have a catholic attitude towards other gods and goddesses. Panchayatana puja is part of their worship, consisting of devotion to Ganesh, Surya and Vishnu, besides the two principal deities of shiva and shakti. The festival of Janmashthami is also of special significance to them, proclaiming their non-sectarian character: they regard Vishnu and shiv as the manifestations of the one Brahman.