It is that time of the year again when festivities grip the city. Dasara is not just about the Bommala Koluvu or the food; it is also about music, dance and dandiya.
Every year, dandiya nights are held across the city to mark Navratri. The Marwari Yuva Manch has been hosting such events for 20 years. This year too, it held a three-day event, Dandiya Jalsa, at The Gateway Hotel along with the Bhartiya Marwari Mahila Samiti. Men and women dressed in vibrant clothes, danced gracefully in circles with the rhythmic striking of dandiya sticks. The hall reverberated with energy as people matched their pace with the remixes being played by an orchestra from Kolkata.
For 28-year-old Neha Agarwal, who shifted to the city after her marriage, these events are the only way to teach her four-year-old son the traditions that were passed down to her. “When you are being raised in your native place, one does not have to take extra efforts to teach the children their culture. But when you live far away, it is necessary to introduce them to various traditions. Such events not only make kids aware of the traditions but also help them socialise,” she said.
The event saw a footfall of over 1,500 people over the three days. “We see more North Indians attending the event. People of our community wait desperately for the dandiya nights as it gets everyone together. While it introduces the tradition to the younger generation, it is a trip down the memory lane for the elder people,” says Manmohan Pasari, president of Marwari Yuva Manch.
Apart from the fun and frolic, the event also supports a cause. The money raised will be used to buy a battery-operated car, which will be stationed at Vizianagaram railway station to ferry senior citizens and differently-abled people.“We have two battery-operated cars at the Visakhapatnam railway station. The positive feedback from the people has encouraged us to add more such cars,” he said.
City-based Utkal Sanskrutik Samaj also hosted an event for dandiya and garba yesterday.
