In the labyrinthine streets of Ahmedabad’s old city, a remarkable tradition unfolds each year during Navratri that challenges conventional gender norms while preserving a poignant historical legacy. On the eighth night of the festival, known as Ashtami, men from the Barot community don colourful sarees and perform Garba in a ritual that spans two centuries, honouring an ancient curse and a woman’s tragic tale.
Why do Men wear sarees during Navratri?
The story centres around Sadu Mata Ni Pol, a historic neighbourhood where over 1,000 residents maintain a tradition born from a dark chapter in their community’s history. According to local lore, more than 200 years ago, a woman named Saduben sought protection from the men of the Barot community when faced with a Mughal nobleman’s unwanted advances. Their failure to defend her led to devastating consequences – the loss of her child and, ultimately, her own life through the practice of sati.
Before her death, Saduben laid a powerful curse on the men who had failed to protect her, declaring that future generations would be marked by cowardice. This curse became the foundation of a tradition that continues to draw thousands of spectators to the narrow lanes of this heritage neighbourhood.
What is history of Barot community of Gujarat?
The Barot community, historically known as genealogists and storytellers for Gujarat’s prominent families, responded to this curse by establishing a temple dedicated to Sadu Mata. The annual ritual of men performing Garba in sarees serves as both an act of penance and a celebration of devotion, transforming the pol into a vibrant spectacle of faith and tradition.
For many participants, the ritual transcends its origins as merely an act of atonement. One devotee, who has participated for five years, shares his connection to the tradition: after praying for business success and the blessing of a son, he believes Sadu Mata answered his prayers.
His participation now represents gratitude rather than obligation, highlighting how the tradition has evolved to become a celebration of thanksgiving.
What does this custom – Sadu Mata Ni Pol signify?
The significance of this custom extends beyond its religious aspects. For the Barot community, traditionally entrusted with preserving family histories and oral traditions, particularly for Rajput and Kshatriya families, this ritual represents a living link to their cultural heritage.
While their traditional roles as genealogists have evolved with time, their commitment to preserving these unique customs remains unwavering.
Is this custom recognised by UNESCO?
The setting itself adds to the ritual’s profound impact. Ahmedabad, India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, provides a fitting backdrop for this centuries-old tradition. Sadu Mata Ni Pol, one of the city’s 184 historic neighbourhoods, transforms during the festival into a sacred space where past and present converge in a spectacular display of devotion.
The ritual challenges modern perspectives on gender expression while remaining deeply rooted in traditional values. While contemporary observers might view men wearing sarees as a statement on gender norms, for the Barot community, it represents something far more profound – a symbol of humility, respect, and spiritual devotion.
About Navratri & Sadu Mata Ni Pol:
As Navratri brings millions of Indians together in celebration, this unique tradition in Ahmedabad’s old city stands as a testament to the enduring power of cultural memory and communal faith. The sight of men performing Sheri Garba in flowing sarees, their movements echoing centuries of devotion, serves as a reminder of how historical events can shape and sustain cultural practices across generations.
The tradition at Sadu Mata Ni Pol demonstrates how communities can transform historical tragedy into meaningful rituals, keeping their heritage alive while providing future generations with a tangible connection to their past. As the old city’s narrow lanes fill with spectators each year, the boundary between curse and blessing, penance and celebration, continues to blur, creating a unique cultural phenomenon that defies easy categorization.
