Ahmedabad’s Sadu Mata Ni Pol During Navratri Every year, as the vibrant festival of Navratri takes over Gujarat with its energy, color, and devotion, an extraordinary ritual unfolds in the heart of Ahmedabad’s Old City. While women, dressed in their chaniya cholis and sarees, perform Garba in streets and courtyards, one particular pol—Sadu Mata Ni Pol—stands out for its unique celebration. Here, men from the Barot community take part in the festivities by wearing sarees and performing Garba, creating a spectacle that draws attention from locals and visitors alike.
A 200-Year-Old Tradition of Penitence and Devotion
The practice of men donning sarees on the eighth night of Navratri, also known as Ashtami, is not just an act of celebration. It is deeply rooted in history and faith, tracing its origins back over 200 years to a woman named Saduben. According to local legend, Saduben faced a tragic fate when a Mughal nobleman demanded her as his concubine. The men of the Barot community, responsible for her protection, failed in their duty, leading to the death of her child. Devastated and angry, Saduben placed a curse on the men, condemning them and their descendants to live with the shame of cowardice.
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In response to this curse, the Barot community sought to atone for their ancestors’ failure by building a temple in Saduben’s honor, where she came to be worshipped as Sadu Mata. To further express their remorse and to lift the curse, the men began performing a unique penance during Navratri. They would wear sarees and perform Garba in honor of Sadu Mata, turning what began as an act of repentance into an enduring tradition.
A Vibrant Spectacle of Color and Faith
On Ashtami, the narrow lanes of Sadu Mata Ni Pol transform into a hub of celebration, filled with the joyful sounds of Garba music and the sight of men twirling in brightly colored sarees. The pol’s streets come alive with the festive energy of Navratri, but there is something particularly special about this community’s celebrations. The men, dressed in sarees, move gracefully to the rhythm of the dhol and traditional Garba songs, creating an enchanting display that is both joyous and poignant.
For those unfamiliar with the story behind the ritual, seeing men in sarees dancing Garba may seem unusual. However, once the historical and spiritual significance is understood, the sight becomes a powerful expression of faith, humility, and gratitude. The men’s participation is not just about celebrating Navratri, but about paying homage to Sadu Mata, whose spirit they believe continues to protect and bless their families.
The Spiritual Significance: A Tradition of Atonement
For the Barot community, this ritual goes beyond the surface-level festivities of Navratri. It is a deeply spiritual practice, rooted in the belief that through this annual act of humility, they can atone for their ancestors’ shortcomings. By wearing sarees—traditionally considered women’s clothing—the men seek to express their humility before Sadu Mata, acknowledging the past wrongs of their community and asking for her continued protection and blessings.
Many participants in the ritual believe that their devotion to Sadu Mata brings prosperity, good health, and family blessings. When their prayers are answered throughout the year, they attribute it to the goddess’s grace, making the annual Garba performance a heartfelt offering of thanks. In this way, the men of Sadu Mata Ni Pol engage in an act of collective atonement and reverence that is passed down from generation to generation.
Challenging Gender Norms or Honoring Tradition?
In modern times, the sight of men dressed in sarees during a festival might be seen as a challenge to conventional gender norms. However, for the Barot community, this tradition is not about subverting gender roles but about devotion. The act of wearing a saree is seen as a gesture of humility and spiritual connection, a way to honor the goddess who has watched over their community for centuries.
It’s important to understand that this ritual is steeped in respect for Sadu Mata and the community’s history. The men are not attempting to imitate women or make a statement about gender; rather, they are participating in a centuries-old act of penance that ties them to their cultural and spiritual heritage. This practice highlights how ancient traditions can persist in the modern world, continuing to shape the identities of those who uphold them.
A Living Tradition in Ahmedabad’s Heritage City
As Ahmedabad has grown and evolved, the city has retained much of its rich cultural and historical heritage, and this tradition is a prime example of that. Sadu Mata Ni Pol is located in Ahmedabad’s Old City, an area recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architectural and cultural significance. The pols of Ahmedabad are known for their close-knit communities, and Sadu Mata Ni Pol is no exception. The ritual of men dancing Garba in sarees serves as a reminder of the city’s deep-rooted traditions and the enduring power of faith in the community.
During Navratri, visitors to Ahmedabad flock to the old quarters to experience the festive atmosphere, and witnessing the celebrations in Sadu Mata Ni Pol is a highlight for many. The sight of men twirling in sarees amidst the narrow, crowded lanes creates a sense of timelessness, transporting onlookers to a place where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony.
The Heart of Navratri in Ahmedabad
Navratri is celebrated with great fervor across Gujarat, but the ritual in Sadu Mata Ni Pol adds a unique layer of spiritual and cultural significance to the festivities. For those who visit during Navratri, witnessing this tradition firsthand offers an opportunity to experience the deeper meaning behind the celebrations.
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The streets of Ahmedabad may be filled with the sights and sounds of Garba every night during the festival, but in Sadu Mata Ni Pol, the celebration is a powerful reflection of the community’s history, faith, and devotion. The men’s graceful movements in their sarees, combined with the vibrant energy of the festival, create an atmosphere of reverence and joy that leaves a lasting impression on all who witness it.
Experience the Tradition for Yourself
If you ever find yourself in Ahmedabad during Navratri, be sure to visit Sadu Mata Ni Pol to witness this extraordinary tradition. It is a chance to see a unique expression of faith and community devotion, and to learn about a part of the city’s rich cultural heritage that continues to thrive. As the men twirl in their colorful sarees, dancing to the rhythm of Garba, they not only honor their ancestors and the goddess Sadu Mata, but also demonstrate the enduring power of tradition in shaping modern-day life.
Navratri in Ahmedabad is a celebration like no other, and the ritual in Sadu Mata Ni Pol stands out as a poignant reminder of the spiritual depth that underpins the festival’s joy and energy.