Devotees perform dandiya on the first day of Navratri at Kali Mandir near Bansh Ghat in Patna on Thursday. Picture by Ashok Sinha
It's the time to dandiya, but with a twist.
From EDM beats to shaking a leg with 'item girl' Sambhavna Seth, organisers are trying to be different this Navratri to draw more crowds to the foot-tapping and stick-clattering form of the traditional boogie.
For youngsters who prefer playing dandiya only with people their age, a 'Disco Dandiya' is being organised at hotel Panache on September 27.
Eligibility? You have to be between 13 and 25 years of age.
'Our Disco Dandiya is for school and college students,' said Shabbir Ali, the event manager. 'We are only allowing them so that they can enjoy freely. Instead of a traditional music for dandiya, we would have electronic dance music (EDM). The youngsters will be grooving to beats, not songs. This will be a mix of disco and dandiya. We have scheduled a timing that will suit youngsters. Usually, dandiya programmes are organised in the evening but our programme will be organised from 1pm to 6pm so that youngsters easily get permission to take part in the event.'
Participants have to pay Rs 1,000 per head, which includes Chinese food.
Albela Events & Marketing will hold a two-day dandiya event on September 27 and September 28. Named 'Dev & Diva Grand Finale with Bollywood Dandiya Masti', the event will be organised at Lady Stephenson Hall in which celebs such as Shefali Zariwala of Kaanta Laga fame and Rajeev Nigam from Comedy Nights with Kapil will entertain people.
The programme will be held from 6pm to 10pm.
The Marwari Yuva Manch's Patna Central branch in collaboration with Sevika Jewellers is also organising a dandiya night on September 28 at New Patna Club, in which Sambhavna Seth will take to the dance floor.
'Only couples and families are allowed,' said Mohit Khemka, owner of Sevika Jewellers. 'Apart from a few Calcutta-based dance troops, Calcutta-based DJ Dits will also perform.' Ankit Advertising in collaboration with its sister concern Aarzee Entertainment & Media is also organising a 'D3: Disco-DJ-Dandiya' on September 26 at Youth Hostel. So all you need now is traditional garba-dhoti, chaniya cholis, matching accessories, and a festive zeal.
