Stressbuster Dandiya nights draw working professionals

BENGALURU: Navaratri celebrations are in full swing in the city, and dandiya nights are seeing attendance from young and old. Organisers are bringing down bands from Gujarat and enthusiastic young women are renting out their ghagras and jewellery for a few thousands.

Rahul Dave and several other Gujaratis haven't been home for Navratri for a few years now. They said they don’t need to, the city has venues that recreate the boisterous fun. Dorothy Dave, dressed in chaniya choli, said, “The arrangements made here are much similar to what is done in Gujarat.”

Rahul, a 36-year-old IT professional, said, "In fact the traditions are intact here, dandiya has become commercialised in Gujarat." Shreyans Mehta, 17-year-old student dressed in traditional kedia, added, "We even have a live orchestra from Gujarat flown into Bengaluru… we have dhol as well."

Hundreds of Gujaratis had gathered to dance through the night at Navaratri Utsav 2017 - Dandiya Nights, which was organised by Shree Indiranagar Gujarati Association at MLR Convention Center. The venue was so crowded that dance hall had to be extended into a hall outside the main venue.

Ritambhara Sahu, a 24-year-old software engineer from Chattisgarh, was present and said that this was her first dandiya night. "I do not know dandiya but I can learn,” she said. “I took the dress and jewellery on rent. It cost me `1,600 - 600 as rent and `1,000 as deposit." “Visitors are taught dandiya, we even provide them with the sticks,” added Dorothy. “ added, "A day ago, an American couple had come for the dance… we taught them too."  

Lakshmi Raikwal and Pratibha Sharma, accounts payable analysts, learnt  about the event online and decided to drop by because it is close to their home. Pratibha said, "We usually go to Palace Grounds for dandiya every year. This time, we thought of trying a new venue."  Dandiya nights are a good stress buster, said Savithri Radhakrishnan, an IT professional. "After a week of work, dandiya seems like a nice place to unwind," she said.

Praful Maun from the Indiranagar association said, "We had more people this year than last year. About 1,200 people came on Saturday, we are expecting about 4,500 people over the nine days."

Where to Go

September 25
Shree Kala Mantap, 70, 15TH Cross Road, J.P. Nagar 3rd phase
There will be dance and music, and next day Dr Shamik Pal will present songs by Rabrindranath Tagore. There will be a dance drama based on Tagore's famous poem Pujarini.

September 29
(6.30 pm to  11 pm)
Crowne Plaza, Hosur Road, Electronic City
Ticket: Rs 200
There will be garba instructors and food counters with chaat
September 29, 5 pm
to 11.30 pm
The Taj Gateway, Residency Road, Ashok Nagar
Bollywood numbers, disco lights
and quirky alcoholic shots. This promises to be crazy fun.

September 30, 5 pm
Royal Orchid Hotel,
Old Airport Road
Live dhol, panipuri shots and an open lawn with dual dance floor. Tickets are priced between Rs 300 and Rs 600.

October 7, 7.30 pm
Kings Court, Gate No 5, Palace Ground, Jayamahal
Again Bollywood numbers
played in air-conditioned halls and a lawn. RJs and DJs are expected. Tickets at Rs 499