A unique Garba performance in Ahmedabad has taken social media by storm, where men dressed in sarees danced at Sadu Mata Ni Pol to honour a centuries-old tradition.
The ritual, rooted in a 200-year-old legend of Sadu Mata, is believed to be an act of penance. According to local folklore, Sadu Mata cursed the men of the community after they failed to protect her. To atone, her descendants perform Garba in sarees during Navratri, seeking forgiveness while paying homage to her spirit.
In the viral video, the saree-clad men are seen clapping, swaying, and moving rhythmically around the temple with devotion. Locals say the practice not only appeases Sadu Mata’s spirit but also celebrates the divine feminine.
“This ritual is both a prayer and a performance — a way of honouring Sadu Mata while embracing the essence of Navratri,” said a community elder.
The tradition, now widely known as Saree Garba, has become a distinctive cultural marker of Ahmedabad’s Navratri festivities. While Garba is typically performed in honour of Goddess Durga, this version symbolises repentance, reverence, and continuity of heritage.
The Instagram reel of the event, posted by @awesome.amdavad, has drawn admiration from thousands of users. Many praised the men for preserving tradition, while others highlighted how cultural rituals can evolve creatively yet remain deeply rooted in devotion.
As Navratri celebrations sweep across Gujarat, the viral Saree Garba performance stands as a reminder of how ritual, history, and faith intersect to keep age-old legends alive.