On this century-old customized, males gown up as girls to atone for a curse positioned on their ancestors.
Ahmedabad:
Because the Navratri festivities begin throughout the nation on Thursday (October 1), a novel custom within the coronary heart of Ahmedabad’s outdated metropolis attracts everybody’s consideration. In Sadu Mata Ni Pol, a 200-year-old ritual unfolds every year on the eighth night time of Navratri, when males from the Barot group put on sarees and carry out Garba to honour an historic curse.
This age-old custom symbolises penance, and an interesting story of devotion and gender-bending customs handed down via generations. This ritual is greater than only a dance; it’s a deeply rooted custom steeped in historical past, legend, and religion.
On this century-old customized, males gown up as girls to atone for a curse positioned on their ancestors by Sadu Mata, a lady whose story has been handed down via generations. Based on native perception, over 200 years in the past, a lady named Saduben sought safety from the boys of the Barot group when a Mughal nobleman demanded her as a concubine.
Sadly, the boys didn’t defend her, resulting in the tragic lack of her little one. In her grief and anger, Saduben cursed the boys, declaring that their future generations would endure as cowards, and dedicated ‘sati’.
Sadu Mata Ni Pol, which homes over 1,000 residents, comes alive on the night time of Ashtami. The pol, crammed with slender lanes and old-style houses, is a residing relic of Ahmedabad’s heritage. Crowds collect to witness males in sarees, twirling gracefully to the beats of Sheri Garba, a folks dance handed down via the generations.
A temple was erected to appease Sadu Mata’s spirit and elevate the curse. Yearly, on the night time of Ashtami, males from the group collect at Sadu Mata Ni Pol, don sarees, and carry out Garba as an act of penance. This tradition, nonetheless alive at the moment, attracts crowds from all around the metropolis, curious to witness this highly effective show of custom and devotion.
Whereas trendy interpretations might affiliate the act of males dressing as girls with bending gender norms, for the Barot group, it’s a symbolic gesture of humility and respect. The ritual is believed to not solely atone for the sins of the previous but in addition to honour the blessings granted by Sadu Mata. Males who’ve prayed for private needs — be it success in enterprise, good well being, or the start of a kid — take part on this ritual to present thanks when their prayers are answered.
The Barot group of Gujarat is historically recognized for its position as genealogists, storytellers, and chroniclers for numerous communities. They notably doc household histories and protect oral traditions. Traditionally, they served as keepers of genealogical data, particularly for Rajput and Kshatriya households, and have been integral to passing down cultural and spiritual tales via generations. Along with their genealogical duties, they typically carried out throughout festivals, reciting epics and folks tales.
Although their conventional roles have advanced with time, the Barot group stays an essential a part of Gujarat’s cultural heritage, notably seen throughout festivals like Navratri, the place their distinctive customs are nonetheless practiced.
One participant shared that he has been carrying a saree for the previous 5 years to indicate gratitude to Sadu Mata. After wishing for prosperity in his enterprise and the blessing of a son, he felt that the goddess had been variety to him. For him, this custom serves as a significant connection to their roots, permitting the group to precise thanks for the blessings they obtain of their lives.
The custom, nevertheless, is not nearly appeasing the curse. For a lot of, it is about honouring the goddess they imagine has protected and blessed their households for hundreds of years. The pol transforms right into a devotion web site, with males of all ages paying homage to Sadu Mata, wearing vibrant sarees, as an act of religion.
Ahmedabad, India’s first UNESCO World Heritage Metropolis, is thought for its wealthy historical past and traditions. The ritual of males performing Garba in sarees is simply one of many some ways town preserves its cultural heritage. Nestled among the many 184 pols of the outdated metropolis, Sadu Mata Ni Pol stands as a testomony to the resilience and devotion of the Barot group.
(Apart from the headline, this story has not been edited by EDNBOX employees and is printed from a syndicated feed.)