D for Dandiya

Dandiya for a first-timer is full of colours and a lot of joy. The traditional folk dance of Gujarat and Rajasthan, performed as a mock-fight between goddess Durga and Mahishasura, has seeped through borders and come to the south with all its vibrancy. So for Navaratri, young folks down South pick up sticks along with the rest of the country to celebrate the festival. And every year, they make it different, while still sticking to the traditions.

In Hyderabad, 22-year-old Prem Shankar, son of filmmaker Mani Shankar, is excited about his first dandiya event this year. “I’m a techno producer and DJ. However, I’m organising my first ever dandiya event. We’ve improvised our style and have tried to be innovative,” he says. 

Raas-Garba and Dandiya are a hit among youngsters during Navaratri

Talking about why the events are a hit among youngsters, Prem says, “Garba and Dandiya is very popular among the youngsters because it brings people together and there’s no better way to get together than by dancing! In today’s day and age, it’s become an integral part of our city’s nightlife and social culture.” 

“Previously, dandiya was performed by those who fast and perform poojas. And it was limited to the Gujarati and Rajasthani communities. But now it has become a fun get-together for non-Gujaratis. Girls and boys dress up in authentic Gujarati costume — it’s so colourful and nice. Right from a six year old child to a 60-year-old grandma, you can find people from all age groups,” says Upasana, a working professional, talking about such events in Chennai.

In Bengaluru, too, the dandiya fever is catching on. Nikita Ashra, a 28-year-old working professional, states, “Every year, people turn up in large numbers. There’s often a larger turnout of youngsters. But this time around, the annual competition is open to all ages.”