Women get together to match steps during a dandiya function in the capital. A file picture

Ranchi, Oct. 10: The city is gearing up for navratra with clubs and the Gujarati community all set to celebrate the festival through dandiya programmes.

Events have been scheduled at the local Gujarati school and Patel Bhavan situated at Lalji Hirji Road.

Not wanting to be left behind, city clubs are also making adequate arrangements to celebrate Durga Puja.

Sunil Verma, the secretary of Ranchi Club, said they are organising a programme as part of the Durga Puja celebrations. But their programme would be different from previous years.

“We are inviting DJ Sunny from Calcutta who would regale the audience at the pool side of the club while they enjoy snacks. Besides, there will also be a special prize for the ‘Puja Couple’. The Puja Queen and Princess would also be crowned,” Verma said.

He added that this programme, to be held exclusively for members, will start at 8pm on October 17.

This year, as part of the puja celebrations, the club will hold a puja dance-cum-fashion show, for which models from Calcutta would walk the ramp. This will later be followed by a dance programme.

“Last year the club had organised a dandiya dance but this time we are celebrating it in a different way,” added the secretary.

Smita Desai, a Gujarati member of the club, said that youngsters have been practising their dance steps for the past one month.

“Traditionally, the dandiya is performed with hands but now sticks have taken its place. We now follow the youngsters. Our steps are based on a film style,” she said.

Another Gujarati member, Gita Mansatta, said that she has witnessed many changes in the style of dandia over the past twenty years.

“Now our dance is the disco dandiya. The originality no longer exists as we follow the latest trends,” she added.