Navratri 2017: Meaning of Dandiya Ras and connection with Navratri

Dandiya Ras, is connected both with Goddess Durga and Krishna.Infact through dandiyas a fake fight between Asura Mahishasur and Goddess is displayed. Because of which this dance is also known as sword dance. The dandiyas here replicate swords.

Whereas Ras is related to Krishna, after the worship men also get involved in dance. Thus when men and women dance together it represents Krishna leela of Krishna.
Garba is also played in most regions the difference between garba and Dandiya is that garba consists of various hand and foot movements, whereas the ras is played with sticks.