Bhubaneswar, Sept. 22: Dandiya fever has gripped the city with several hotels and restaurants having started hosting dandiya nights, which are held every year during the Navratri festival.

Bhubaneswar has been swaying to this dance form from Gujarat for the past few years to celebrate Dussehra. Enthusiasts are welcome to come over at Janata Maidan to take part in the Navaratri Dandia Mahotsav organised by Odisha International Centre. The event kicked off yesterday.

Apart from the dance, exhibition of handlooms, handicrafts and Odia food are also on sale at the venue.

'We have been organising dandiya nights during every Navratri because the residents of Bhubaneswar have taken a liking to this event. We have a huge dance floor,' said Jeevan Nanda, a member of the organising team.

Another such event is being organised at Mayfair Convention in the city where dandiya troupes, celebrity singer, musical bands and DJ from Mumbai will entertain participants. It will also feature celebrities, mostly winners of various national reality shows. Odia film actors will also be seen at the event.

People of all age groups are going to dance schools to learn dandiya steps.

'Last year, my lack of dancing skills restricted me from enjoying the event fully. I am not taking any chance this time,' said Suhana Dash, a college student.

Uday Shankar Swain, dance instructor at Sarala Music and Dance Academy, said: 'We teach them some basic steps and how to maintain co-ordination with partners. There has been a huge rush this year.'

Married couples in the 40s are also joining these classes. 'My husband and I are busy professionals but we decided to take some time off and enrol for the classes. It is not only fun but also helps us spend time together,' said Shibani Sahoo, who works with a bank. Kiosks selling panipuri, chaat and other popular snacks at the dandiya events are also big draws. Entry to these events costs between Rs 300 to 600 a person. 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,' said Hina Doshi, a Gujarati who is here.