Sri Navaratri Mandal Dandia in city

Bhubanewar:(visakeo)- Sri Navaratri Mandal sponsored Dandia, for a religious cause, which is being based on Maa Durga Stutee here at the sprawling Janata Maidan of the Temple City getting good response . The Navaratri festival, which was began on October 11 on Monday entered into fifth day and it will continue till October 21. The Dandiya Rass, which is danced using a pair of sticks, is a tradition taken from Lord Krishna's play with the Gopikas has been getting good response here in the city, claimed the organiser. The whole atmosphere speaks loudly the festive spirit of city residents and the Navaratri Utsav. With arrival of chilly evening, Dandia lovers, particularly Bengali and Oriya folks are being throng to the Janata Maidan and enjoying the religious spirit, which is packed with Dev Pujan, Sri Mass chanting of Sri Saptasati Chandi, Mahajagyan and religious discourses by noted spiritual proponents. These dance nights ahead of Dussehra Puja are spellbinding and all age groups participating in it. For youngsters, it is also a time when they can meet individuals of similar age group and enjoy traditional dancing steps. Thousands of people from all walks of life participate in the lively dances to mark the festival organised here. Costumes have their own significance, as one's appearance tends to increase the dance's influence. So we start preparing for costumes a month or two before the actual event. Parents bring those costumes. We design them so that our costumes remain different from others," said a Bengali dancer. "This time, rather than ticketing, the entry is by invitation only. Smoking and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited at the venue. We are also asking people to come dressed in traditional clothes as far as possible since we want to keep it as traditional as possible. Of course, there will be a lot of fun. Its not restricted to any particular community. We are inviting people who will enjoy dancing and the Navaratri Puja," Puja organiser Paresh Nayak said.