Dandiya Dhamaka

Navratri, is one festival which is sure to ensure, you to get u up on your feet. There has to be something in this amazing festivals, which everyone waits for. I went for one of the biggest and popular dandiya- Sankalp.0 The true Dandiya queen- Falguni Pathak`s voice definately has the power to get one`s foot tapping. As i stood, there reflecting at the thousands of people, present there, some watching just enjoying the music, some trying their first hand on the garba and some simply dancing to kill.
There has to be something about this festival that drives people from all communities to come and enjoy the thrills of navratri. Is it all about advertising and the hype? Is it about particpating in ones festival ? A youngsters excuse to go to a parents authorised disc or is it simply the festive spirit. I still remember, as a kid i always looked forward to navratri, which happend in our buildings. There wernt loudspeakers, but a simple dhol wala and people would sing.
I was never to good at the dandiya or garba, so i dont know whether it was the drive to learn it or was my fathers singing at these navratris that drived me to not miss even a single day of the navratri in the building. As time passed by the small celebrations in our buildings came to an end and it went on to the big disco dandiyas that happened, thus me taking seat in front of my television screen and flipping channels to watch the diffrent dandiya`s. But what i really love about navratri, is that brings out the folk culture of gujrat, Infact some day i would like to go and watch the navratri in ahmedabad or baroda. i have heard, the celebrations there have still kept the traditional elements intactThe Garba Rass for the year is over, but if you still want to give your hands a shot with garba and dandiya- Sharadpunam should be a day to look outcheersDD