Dandiya fever grips city

The rhythm is catchy and the steps look trendy. Capsule workshops on Dandiya ahead of Navrathri are pulling in crowds more than ever before. Here’s a quick roundup of why youngsters in the city are all excited about these workshops

Neha and Sanjay Tejara are young artists who have been involved in teaching Dandiya for nearly thirteen years. In fact they are so absorbed in teaching Dandiya at the Namdhaari festival, they have not been able to allocate enough time for their own venture ‘Rhythms’.

Sunitha, one of the keen dancers who has joined the Anahitha workshop, says that she has been interested in Dandiya since childhood.

“I started dancing at an early age. I was intrigued by Falguni Pathak who danced for five hours at a stretch on TV shows. I was really impressed with her form (layaa) and stamina. And then I heard that a dance academy Anahitha was offering an interesting workshop on Dandiya. Although Dandiya is more freestyle and the steps are very simple, I found that learning Garba was enthralling yet challenging. This year there are some senior citizens too who have joined the workshop.”

“Dandiya is very easy but Garbha is considered tougher by most,” reveals Neha Tejara, a young dancer and trainer at Anahitha Yoga Center.

“When I started my career, there were very few people who joined my workshop since this was a new concept at that time. My husband and I loved our cultural heritage of Dandiya. So we started sharing our dance style with others. How often can one find a well lit colourful place, share a dinner with friends and a Dandiya nightout for people from different walks of life?,” she asked.

Pratibha, a yoga instructor who has been with Anahitha for several years, says, “The concept of Dandiya is about people putting up a Garbi which is an offering to Ambe Mataa. A mandala is created of intense positive energy. It is about sharing, bringing people from all walks of life together and brings about a feeling of universal brotherhood.”

“It’s a de-stressing factor for me. We learn the Dandiya steps quickly but for us to pick up Garba, it may take three or more days,” smiles Kanimozhi, one of the dance enthusiasts.

“I was a lady with two left feet, less confident than others in my group. Because of my interest, I joined this dancing arena. I forget that I have a family, husband and kids to look after when I am at the workshop. I immerse myself in dance and the music,” she signs off.

Workshops

• Dandiya workshop at Anahitha School: Rs 1,000 for a week.
• Sacred Space in West Marredpally is offering workshops for Rs 250 a session at 6 pm until September 26.
• Dandiya Dhamakaa at Dinaz, Jubilee Hills -- Rs 500 per session on Monday at 7.15 am and 5.15 pm. Demo Session: Thursday, 9 am

Most happening Dandiya events in Hyderabad

1) Imperial Gardens– For all 9 days

2) MMR Malla Reddy Gardens, Medchal – For all 9 days.

3) People’s Plaza, Necklace Road, Hyderabad

4) CCI or Country Club International

5) Dildar Dandiya, Shamshabad

ATTIRE

Traditional Garba clothing for girls

1) Chania Cholis starting from Rs 650, Kutch Kala Darshan, Sultan Bazaar.

2) Traditional jewellery like necklaces, bangles, waistbands etc – Tara’s 95 Park Lane, Secunderabad and Kutch Kala Darshan, Sultan Bazaar.

3) Mojris ranging from Rs 299 to Rs 360, Dreamz Footwear, General Bazaar.

4) Light weight sarees ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 20,000, Jini’s Complete Designer Studio, Banjara Hills.

Traditional Garba Clothing for guys

1) Kedia (Rajasthani dress) starting from Rs 800 Kutch Kala Darshan Sultan Bazaar.

2) Cotton and linen kurtas ranging from Rs 1,450 to Rs 2,000, R Wardrobe, Banjara Hills.

3) Stoles in different colours and fabrics ranging from Rs 250 to Rs 550- Shivam handloom in Abids.

4) Mojris (Unisex) starting from Rs 325, Kolhapuri Hand Crafts, Abids.

Dandiya-up essentials

1) Dandiya Sticks (wooden, steel, acrylic, revolving & pankheda) ranging from Rs 30 to Rs 150- Kutch Kala Darshan, Sultan Bazaar.

2) Wear waterproof make-up (to ensure no raccoon eyes ladies) from various cosmetics brands like Maybelline, Lakme and M.A.C

3) Kill your after-Dandiya hunger pangs with one of the many midnight biryanis in the city.

4) And lastly, don’t forget to keep yourself fully hydrated!