Ranchi Club: Ready to regale

Ranchi, Oct. 8: Bring out ethnic ensembles and match ’em with the choicest accessories. It is time to flaunt your traditional best.

Navratri has begun and Ranchi Club in the capital has an array of events lined up to make the festival memorable for all its 1,500 members.

A musical extravaganza titled Dhol Bajne Laga will showcase programmes in Bengali and Gujarati to regale the audience tomorrow.

Festivals like Navratri or Durga Puja are never complete without food. The club is all set to cook up Gujarati and Bengali gourmet delights along with kebabs and Hyderabadi biryani.

“We have invited cooks from Hyderabad to prepare special biryani and kebabs for the members,” said club secretary S.K. Chopra.

If one will find the flavours of Gujarat in dhokla and thapla, fish curry, begun bhaja and the ubiquitous rasogolla, on the other hand, will complete Bengal’s platter.

Jyoti Bajaj, who is in charge of the entertainment at the club, said they had something for all age groups. “Unlike earlier years, we are planning a more colour and diverse programme this year,” she said.

A 35-member Chhau troupe from Purulia will enthral the audience with mythological tales. Bajaj said another 10-member local Bengali troupe would regale the members by enacting Mahisasurmardini, goddess Durga’s victory over demon king Mahisasur.

It goes without saying that Navratri is synonymous with dandiya. The Gujarati members of the club will be able to sway to the rhythmic beats. “Without dandiya, the celebration is incomplete. So, a special dandiya session will be in place,” Bajaj said.

If mask, myth and music are in store for elders, youngsters need not be disappointed. They too can shake a leg to hot Bollywood numbers churned out by DJ Neerav of Calcutta. Titles of Puja King, Queen, Prince and Princess will also be up for grabs, as members will be judged on their dancing skills and sartorial sense.