Youngsters take part in a dandiya event on Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 7: Dandiya fever has gripped the city.

A number of hotels and restaurants have already started hosting dandiya nights, which are held every year during the Navratri festival. Many other hotels and cultural organisations that host the “dandiya raas”, as it is popularly known, have announced their schedules.

A major hotel in Jayadev Vihar began its dandiya festivities from Sunday.

“Every year, we ensure that the dancers enjoy themselves in a safe environment. We have arranged for adequate security. The response is getting better every year,” said Pradipta Mohapatra, general manager of the hotel where the event is being hosted for 12 years now.

Dandiya raas organisers not only have arrangements to attract kids, but also a wide variety of Indian snacks such as panipuri, chaat and so on to attract just about everyone!

Entry to these events costs between Rs 300 to 600 a person, inclusive of some food items. Cultural organisations are hosting dandiya nights on Exhibition Ground and Janata Maidan, where entry may be either be free or priced between Rs 50 and Rs 200.

Vibrant Indi-pop beats and folk music played by the DJs adds to the revelry. Though a north Indian tradition, this form of community dancing has caught up immensely with residents of the city over the past few years.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for us to have fun in groups and make new friends. Synchronising steps with dancers you neither practised with nor know the name of, is an amazing experience,” said Sagar Mohanty, an engineering student.

The dandiya nights will continue till October 14.