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Dandiya ahead of Bhangra...
THIS IS festive season. And there are unlimited colours of joy for Delhiites. For those with a penchant for shaking a leg, there is Gujarati Dandiya Masti in full flow at Ansal Plaza amphitheatre in South Delhi. Inaugurated by yesteryear actress Tanuja, the festivities commence at 8 p.m and continue till 11 p.m. this Monday. Delhiites have been coming in large numbers, many of tem dressed in traditional attire of dhoti kurta and chaniya choli.
Even those who are novices in playing Dandiya, which is done with the help of two wooden sticks, are honing their skills with the help of those who have gained some expertise. The Dandiya sticks, at the price of Rs. 20, are available at the place.
Invoking Goddess Amba, there is a live show in which songs are sung not just in Gujarati but also in Hindi. For the elderly folks there is Sugam Garba, for the teenaged crowd there are disco numbers and those who are fond of Daler Mahendi types of songs there are Bhangra items. In Gujarat Dandiya is played not just during Navratras but also during weddings.
Since last year, Delhiites haven't been discriminated as previously this festival played during Navratras had been excluding non-Gujaratis. As the Delhi government doesn't allow the function to continue after 11 p.m. Dandiya Masti may have lost some of its glow but it hasn't dampened enthusiasm. Complains Payal, a singer: "Three hours is too short a time but the administration's decree cannot be disobeyed." Her Gujarati folk music is immensely enjoyed by the crowd.
An overwhelming number of the people, who are pouring in, are Gujaratis settled in the Capital. But this hasn't discouraged people from other communities to mingle in the festivities.
Tribhuvandas Zaveri, who owns a jewellery shop at Janpath, is one of the main sponsors. Sumptuous Gujarati food from Rangoli restaurant is being sold at affordable rates. Dhoklas cannot be far behind when one mentions Gujarati food. Also Khandwi, Shikhandi and Fadas are being sold.
Payal is indeed the cynosure of all eyes as she has become quite a craze among the crowd, which varies from 800 to 2000 every day. A well known name in Gujarat, the last film in which she had sung was "Piyu Gayo Pardesh". Other vocalists are Sham Gadhav, Rajse, Neena and Abhilash, from the Terai group of Ahmedabad. Abhilash Ghoda, of Terai, says, "Last year we incurred loss but the idea behind the whole thing is to popularise Dandiya like Bhangra."
With Delhiites keen as mustard to play Dandiya the day is not far when it will become as popular as Bhangra.
MADHUR TANKHA
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