Bhubaneswar: Dandia, synonymous with Gujarat’s Navaratri cultural tradition during Dasahara, has already become a part of Durga Puja celebration in major towns in Odisha.
If the makeshift pandals put up for ‘Dandia Raas’ in this capital city is taken into consideration, there are quite a few of them. Several socio-cultural organisations have organised Dandia nights at Exhibition Ground, Janata Maidan and Laxmi Puja Ground near Kalinga Stadium. Similarly, several hotels have also come up with such facilities.
As soon as the day light starts fading, Dandia enthusiasts in colourful traditional attires — mostly in ‘lehngas’ — throng the venues, buy tickets, get their Dandia sticks and then storm onto the dance stages bejeweled with flashing LED modern colourful lights to shake legs to the tune of Hindi movie numbers.
Dandia celebration is said to be incomplete if revelers not savour palatable cuisines that are Durga Puja specialties spread out at these Dandia pandalas.
Starting from authentic Gujarati mouth watering dishes, sweets, cakes to Odia culinary delights are attracting gourmands. Several varieties of khichdi, kofta, khajoor milkshake, puri, halwa, sago bara and many more are having numbers of takers. At some pandals, the organisers have also spread out an equal number of pure veg dishes without onion and garlic which are also getting their share of customers as most revelers prefer to go veg during Navaratri.
Last but not the least, these organizers have also had special arrangements for children, by putting up entertainment zones with joy rides.
PNN