by Sheela Srivastava
Long awaited rocking Dandia Night held on 2nd October at Wellington. It was as grand as one could think of. It started at 6 pm and continued till 9.30. To avoid rush on the stage, participants were divided into 4 age groups-7 to 10 years, 10 to 18, 19 onwards and the 4th group was for senior citizens. Please don’t laugh reading about the 4th group. At Wellington, and every other condominium, the senior ladies are as energetic as their younger counterparts and display the same enthusiasm.
All the groups were practicing for this for many days. Every day they were discussing their ethnic outfits, jewelry, and makeup with their friends. Everybody wanted to give their best in performance and of course attire too.
There were some stalls also to satisfy the taste buds of the audience and participants. Stalls were opened at 4 pm. As usual, a big crowd covered all the stalls. Paani poori, Aalto tiki, Chinese food, pav bhaji, kebabs, bhel poori, chole bhatoore everything was there. There were some stalls of gift items, Jewelry, and other things also. The venue was decorated beautifully. At 7 pm music started to invite people and within a few minutes, kids and ladies were unable to control themselves, gathered near the stage in groups. The program started at 7.30. Kids were the first to give their performance. The youngster and ladies group started after that. Loud music and the noise of dandia sticks made the atmosphere very energetic. Their performance was mind-blowing and full of energy. Choreographer Nikita Sharma did a good job.
A prize was also given for the Best Dandia Dance Couple which awarded to Jyoti and Ashok.
