Samvada News Bureau
The first of October is observed as the Founders Day by Vasant Vihar Club as the Club became operational on this day in the year 1991. This year the Founders Day celebrations kicked off with prayers in the morning in the Club premises followed by a lively cultural program in the evening at the historic Kalyan Kendra.
The central theme of the cultural program this year was participative Dandiya Dance with wide spread of authentic delicacies of old Delhi prepared by the karigars (chefs) of Chandni Chowk.
What do you think of when you hear the word “dandiya?” Maybe you think of the dancers, spinning around in circles and dressed in beautifully coloured ensembles and gold and silver Jewellery. Maybe you think of the colourful sticks, colliding and clashing rhythmically. Perhaps you think of the music, harmonious strings and melodies from traditional instruments such as dholak, tabla, and dhol. You probably even think of the joy and fun you share with friends and family in the merriment.
In our close-knit community of Vasant Vihar, we celebrated Navratri exactly as that and beyond. It was a full-blown Dandiya Festival in celebration of Navratri on 1 Oct, with live music, dancers, and an ecstatic and energetic crowd.
The feel of the event embodied the spirit of Dandiya, with Bollywood and folk music playing in the background, the smell of delicious food in the area, the sound of the clashing of Dandiya sticks, and the laughter and the enjoyment of the people there.
From invigorating music and awesome dancing, to dazzling clothing and mouth-watering food, Vasant Vihar Dandiya Night had it all!
The traditional Founders Day cake cutting ceremony was jointly performed by the present and past presidents present on the occasion.
The occasion was also utilised for felicitating the Club sportsmen. Ajit Bhardwaj having won several national and international awards in tennis received special accolades and roaring clapping of hands from the audience.
