Dandiya Raas is a lively folk dance from Gujarat, India, performed with colorful costumes, wooden sticks and fast, rhythmic music during the Navaratri festival. It is more than a dance: it tells the mythical battle between Goddess Durga (Durga Maa) and the demon Mahishasura through steps and music. This guide covers what Dandiya Raas is, where it comes from, how it differs from Garba, and what to wear, hear and do if you want to join in.

What Is Dandiya Raas? Meaning of the Name

Dandiya Raas is a traditional group dance in which dancers strike pairs of small wooden sticks, called dandiyas, in time with the music. The name combines the two parts of the dance: dandiya refers to the sticks, and raas to the circular group dance associated with Lord Krishna. You will also see it written as Dandiya Ras, Dandia Raas or simply Dandiya, and often shortened to “stick dance.”

Which State Is Dandiya Raas From?

Dandiya Raas is the folk dance of Gujarat, in western India. (In Hindi: Dandiya Gujarat ka lok nritya hai — डांडिया गुजरात का लोक नृत्य है.) It is also hugely popular in neighboring Maharashtra, in cities such as Mumbai, and wherever Gujarati communities celebrate Navaratri around the world.

Origin and History of Dandiya Raas

Dandiya Raas began in Gujarat as part of the Navaratri festival, the nine nights devoted to Durga Maa. It grew out of the devotional Garba dance and carries the storytelling tradition of raas, the circle dances linked to the stories of Krishna and Radha in Vrindavan. Over time these folk traditions merged with the mythology of Durga's victory, turning a devotional ritual into a communal celebration. Its roots stretch back to ancient times, when rhythmic movement and music were used to tell sacred stories.

Dandiya vs Garba: What Is the Difference?

The two dances are performed side by side during Navaratri, and many people use the names together, but they are not identical.

• Garba is the older devotional dance, performed in circles around a lamp or an image of the goddess, with graceful movement and clapping.
• Dandiya Raas adds wooden sticks and a faster tempo. Dancers strike their sticks against a partner's or a neighbor's, and the pace and footwork are more energetic.

Both belong to Gujarat and both honor Durga, so Garba and Dandiya nights are usually held together.

Dandiya Sticks: What Are They Used For?

Dandiyas are the defining props of the dance. They are slim wooden sticks, held one in each hand, and are struck together in rhythm with the music. The clacking adds a sound layer to the beat and demands precision and coordination from every dancer. The sticks are also read as symbolic swords in the battle between Durga and Mahishasura, which links the dance directly to its story.

Dandiya Raas Costumes and Jewelry

Costumes are part of the spectacle. Women wear chaniya cholis: long flared skirts with fitted blouses, decorated with mirror work, embroidery and embellishments. Men wear kurtas with dhotis or pajamas in bright colors. Both are accessorized with ornate jewelry such as chunky bangles and statement earrings, and sets of matching dandiya jewelry are widely sold for the festival. The swirl of color amplifies every twirl and leap.

Dandiya Raas Music and Songs

Dandiya is danced to energetic Gujarati folk music. The beat is carried by the dhol, dholak and tabla, with the harmonium and flute supplying melody. Songs are often devotional, praising Durga and Krishna, but many are festive and fast, and modern Dandiya nights also mix in popular film songs. The tempo is quick enough that listeners find themselves clapping along.

Dandiya Dance Style, Steps and Technique

Dandiya Raas is performed in pairs or in large circles and relies on coordination and synchronization above all. The main elements are:

• Footwork: quick steps, jumps and spins, repeated in rhythmic patterns that dancers learn to follow as a group.
• Stick striking: dancers tap their own sticks together and then strike a partner's in a set sequence, usually circling or switching partners as the tempo rises.
• Hand and body gestures: deliberate hand movements and body turns that echo the story of the battle.

Beginners can learn the basic step-and-strike pattern within a short session, since the dance is built on repetition and the pace increases gradually.

When and Why Dandiya Raas Is Celebrated

Dandiya Raas is performed during Navaratri, the nine-night autumn festival of Durga, with dates that shift each year according to the lunar calendar. Its themes are the triumph of good over evil, courage and righteousness. Beyond the religious meaning, it is a community event: families and friends of all ages dance together, which helps pass Gujarati traditions to younger generations and keeps the culture visible across India and the diaspora.

Other Indian Stick Dances

If you searched for an “Indian dance with sticks,” Dandiya Raas is the best known, but it is not the only one. Kolattam, from southern India (Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh), is another folk dance in which dancers strike sticks in rhythmic patterns, usually in circles or pairs.

Dandiya Raas FAQ

Is Dandiya a religious dance?

It is devotional in origin, honoring Durga during Navaratri, but today it is both a religious tradition and a social celebration open to everyone.

Is Dandiya Gujarati or Rajasthani?

Dandiya Raas originates in Gujarat. It is danced in Rajasthan and elsewhere, but the folk dance is identified with Gujarat.

Is Dandiya Raas linked to Holi?

No. Dandiya Raas belongs to Navaratri, not Holi, although Krishna's raas stories that inspired its name are also remembered during other festivals.

How is Dandiya spelled?

Common spellings include Dandiya, Dandia, Dandiya Ras and Dandiya Raas. All refer to the same Gujarati stick dance.