Colourful dances, a mouth-watering menu that includes biryani and tempting drinks are part of the vibrant Punjabi new year celebrations at Capitol Hill, Ranchi, on April 14. This year?s event has a theme of traditional Punjab with a modern twist

Ranchi, April 10: They may be away from the yellow mustard fields, but the city?s Punjabi community will celebrate Baisakhi (new year) with traditional food and a new addition ? the bhangra.

Capitol Hill will usher in the Punjabi New Year with a traditional theme on April 14. Kulwant Singh, from Jamshedpur, will arrive with his troupe and perform folk songs in the evening at Senate Hall.

Traditionally, Baisakhi is celebrated in the gurudwaras with kirtans and langars (community feasts), but the nights are left free for those who want to celebrate otherwise.

The celebrations will come to an end with Bhangra Nite, which will last until the early hours of the morning.

?Bhangra is not usually a part of traditional celebrations, but hotels and clubs are now organising these events,? said Capitol Hill?s food and beverages manager Narendra Singh, the man behind the event, who added that there will be prizes for best dancing, best couple and the best costume.

And the young are not complaining. Param Kaur welcomed the decision to include bhangra as part of the celebrations. ?I?ll definitely be there,? she said.

As part of the traditional theme, there will be no chairs. Guests will sit on khatias, eat traditional fare and drink from long, earthen glasses.

This is the second time that the Punjabi New Year celebrations are being held at Capitol Hill. And partly the decision was influenced by the great response that the hotels received last year. Shabnam Khan, the hotel?s guest relations executive, said the response was overwhelming last year.

This year, the hotel has invited artistes to give live performances in Punjabi songs and at the dhol. There will also be a DJ.

Singh has paid close attention to detail to ensure that the ambience is as authentic as possible. The staff will be dressed in the traditional lungi, kurta and turban. And there is a large selection of traditional fare on offer. Drinks include khatta-mitta sherbet and Punjabi lassi, which will be served in the traditional thick glass cups.

The menu is a connoisseur?s delight. Starters include desi chuja fry, fish Amritsari and malkit murmuri kebab. There will be a separate counter for chaat.

The main course consists of various salads and items such as murg patyala, Jaladari laal, rani rajma masala, Pathani paneer, Lahori aloo and balle balle biryani. The dessert selection features kesariya jalebi, rang de rabdi and gajrela.

Entry charges are Rs 600 per couple and Rs 300 for stags. Costs cover dinner and snacks. Entry is free for children below 8 years.