Enchanting with intense and energetic whirls

Dandiya nights are an integral part of navarathri celebrations for gujaratis. Bengaluru has its share of dandiya nights that go on for nine days.

Jayanagar Samyukta Mandal (JSM), has been organising Garba/Dandiya nights for the last 11 years now. “It is specially meant for the Gujaratis, but everyone is welcome”, said Rajesh Parekh, 65, Secretary of JSM.

Mesmerizing whirls. Pic: Nagashree Gururaj, Shreyas Nag

Women wear splendid traditional and colorful embroidered choli, ghagra and bandini dupattas dazzling with mirror work whereas men wear their special turban and Kedias (kurtas) depicting Krishna’s costume. The dance moves were enchanting with intense and energetic whirls.

Am I the best dressed? Pic: Nagashree Gururaj, Shreyas Nag

“I have been dancing here for the last two years now, this is the only chance where I can wear my traditional attire and the music here automatically makes you groove”, said Khyati Shrujal, one of the participants.

People across age groups danced with the same élan – from tiny tots to the elderly. The orchestra team was specially flown in from Gujarat.

I can dance forever. Pic: Nagashree Gururaj, Shreyas Nag

The dance is not just for entertainment, there is serious competition. “Kids are encouraged with free gifts and prizes, there is a prize allotted for every age group”, said Mayur Khakhar, one of the members of JSM. When asked about the difference between Garba and Dandiya he said Garba involves synchronous clapping of hands and tapping of feet and dandiya is played with colorfully decorated sticks. “The dance moves are a bit complex in Dandiya compared to Garba”, he explained.

Dandiya Raas is a traditional folk dance form of Vrindavan and is believed to date back to Krishna’s incarnation as a human being on earth. It is performed during Navarathri in honour of Goddess Durga. This dance form is actually the staging of a mock fight between the Goddess and Mahishasura.

Comments:

  1. Ram says:

    What is hte venue Address and Phone no (if any)? I am planning to come today

  2. Editors says:

    The Jayanagar Samyukt Mandal is organising this at BES college. Goes on till late at night. Ph:98861 43533

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Similar Story

Sci560: Unveiling Bengaluru’s transformation into a Science City

Sci560 at the Science Gallery, Bengaluru, highlights the city's journey in IT, biotech, and space technology.

Bengaluru has earned a stellar reputation as the seat of information technology, biotechnology, and India's space programme. Sci560, an exhibition hosted by the Science Gallery, Bengaluru, provides a comprehensive overview of this evolution. Through documentaries, photographs, objects, devices and instruments, Sci560 offers a fascinating kaleidoscope of the city's emergence as a military-industrial-academic hub. Its intriguing title is a portmanteau of ‘science’ and the city’s PIN or postal code ‘560’, while simultaneously being a play on the term ‘sci-fi’ (science fiction). Suitable surroundings Housed in a state-of-the-art building with an aesthetic ambience that blends the traditional with the modern, the Science…

Similar Story

A guide to background checks for hiring domestic help and staff in gated communities

A detailed explainer on when and how to conduct background checks and police verifications for hiring help, and the related challenges.

According to a recent news report, there has been a 20% increase in theft cases compared to 2023, linked to domestic help. This has naturally created apprehensions and flagged the need for safety checks around employment of household help and staff in gated communities and independent homes. Background checks and police verification have been established as recommended procedures while hiring staff, following several untoward incidents in the city. These checks are advisable as they help both the employer and the staff build a relationship of trust and confidence towards each other. Many Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and individuals are unaware…