​Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools host spectacular Hindu Celebration ‘Habs Garba’

Leading independent schools, Habs Boys and Habs Girls, have jointly hosted a special event Habs Garba, which was organised by the Hindu Societies at both schools. 

With more than 350 students in attendance from both schools, the event was open to all Year groups and all faiths. Garba is a Gujarati folk dance performed during the nine-night festival of Navaratri dedicated to the mother Goddess, and on the full moon night of Sharad Purnima, dedicated to Lord Krishna.

The dazzling music and dance event included an amazing DJ alongside two student Dhol players. The evening began with Be Tali, a dance consisting of two simple claps, and as the speed of the music increased, it develops into a more complicated movement. All students participated in the dance and had great fun learning the moves. The students then moved on to Tran Tali, a three-clap dance, followed by the Aarti (prayer) to Lord Krishna, and His Consort the Goddess Yamuna. This ceremony was performed by student volunteers.

Gus Lock, Headmaster at Habs Boys, said: “This is the second Habs Garba we have hosted at the schools, and it was a huge success. It’s a wonderful learning opportunity for our students to experience different cultures. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the event and energetically danced the night away.”

After the Aarti, attendees were served food and given the opportunity to socialise. The students were welcomed back with a performance given by two students playing the tabla and the violin, performing a classical Garba song ‘Nagada Sang Dhol’ while everyone danced along. The next dance was Dandiya Raas, where students danced with sticks and the final dance of the night was Ramjaniyu which, like last year, was a firm favourite.

Rose Hardy, Headmistress at Habs Girls, added: “The event was even bigger and better than last year with over 350 attendees, and we are looking forward to hosting future events too. Garba is an amazing opportunity for everyone in the school, including students and staff, to immerse themselves in the rich Hindu culture.”