Kolkata: Matching step for step, dandiya events are all set to give colourful competition to pandal hot spots this festive season. From housing societies to clubs and hotels, people opting for a break from pandal-hopping will have several dandiya options at residential complexes, banquets, star hotels and even a stadium on one or multiple days during Navratri.
The festival, synonymous with colourful costumes, dance moves and music beats, has come a long way from being a small community affair.
Several housing societies have included dandiya on their list of functions during the festival. “We are organising dandiya on Navratri, where all the complex residents can participate,” said Paramita Adhikari, a resident of Greenwood Sonata in New Town.
At Sukhobrishti in New Town Action Area III, dandiya will be organised from Oct 9 to 11. “It is an opportunity to meet neighbours,” said one of the organisers.
There will be Raas Garba and dandiya at Bidhannagar Mela Ground, Central Park, on Oct 11. “On the occasion of Dussehra, we have made arrangements at Central Park to celebrate the victory of good over evil. In addition to burning a 50ft-tall effigy of Ravana, we will organise a fire show. The aim of the event is to provide an interface between citizens and the rich culture and tradition of Bengal. We will host a dandiya and Garba event on Navami, Oct 11,” an organiser said.
Till a decade ago, dandiya used to be a rooftop affair among close groups of friends in Salt Lake, Bangur, Burrabazar and Bhowanipore. “Navratri has now become a grand affair in Kolkata, with several clubs, hotels and housing complexes organising dandiya and Garba with thousands of participants,” said Abhishek Singhania, who has been organising dandiya at a city hotel for the past 12 years.
Several star hotels and banquets in Kolkata, Salt Lake and New Town are organising dandiya events between Tuesday and Saturday. “ We also fly down celebrities during the dandiya programmes,” said Payal Agarwal, who is organising dandiya at a star hotel in New Town.