The rhythmic clatter of dandiya sticks, swirling skirts in radiant colours, and the infectious energy of festive music filled the air as the much-anticipated Dandiya Night at Apeejay School, Faridabad, Sector-15 unfolded under the twinkling stars. Celebrating the joyous spirit of Navratri, the event was a dazzling blend of tradition, dance, and community, where participants of all ages came together to revel in an unforgettable evening.
As dusk settled, excitement filled the air as the event commenced. Guests, dressed in colourful traditional attire, eagerly gathered to experience an evening that promised to blend cultural rituals with modern celebrations. The event was set in motion by the dynamic anchor, Adarsh, whose enthusiasm sparked the lively tone for the night. The festive energy was palpable as the crowd joined in anticipation of what lay ahead.
The evening’s formal proceedings began with the sacred Murti Sthapana ceremony, a symbolic representation of Navratri’s spiritual essence. Accompanied by the resonant sounds of the conch and dhol, the atmosphere was infused with reverence as dancers, adorned in traditional attire, performed around the sacred installation. This auspicious beginning set the tone for an evening filled with both cultural and spiritual richness.
Following the spiritual ceremony, the audience was captivated by a serene and evocative flute and tabla fusion performance, featuring the renowned flautist Mr Gopal Jha and master tabla artist Mr Ashok Jha. Their harmonious melodies offered a tranquil moment amidst the celebration, enchanting the audience with the depth and beauty of classical Indian music. This soulful interlude allowed attendees to pause and reflect on the deeper significance of the evening.
The official inauguration was conducted by the esteemed Guest of Honour, Mr Saurabh Bharadwaj, Group Editor of Voice of Faridabad, who was warmly welcomed by the Principal of Apeejay School, Mrs Snehlata Krishnan. In her speech, Mrs Krishnan expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support of the community and highlighted the school’s commitment to preserving and celebrating India’s cultural heritage. Mr Bharadwaj’s presence lent a sense of prestige to the occasion, underscoring the event’s importance not just to the school but to the larger Faridabad community.
Speaking about the vision behind organising the event at such a huge scale, Mrs Krishnan expressed, “The event was planned with an idea to rekindle the Apeejay spirit and ethos it stands for. So the whole idea was to spread awareness about the legacy and academic centricity this brand stands for. After watching such a big footfall, I believe we have managed to connect with people with the hype and have done quite a successful job.”
As the night progressed, the festivities reached new heights with a series of enthralling performances. The rhythmic beats of seven poppers, coupled with the energetic pulse of a dhol performance, brought the audience to its feet. The event’s showstopper, however, was the Garba, which saw the crowd of dancers moving in perfect harmony, swirling in vibrant colours to the beat of traditional music. The performance was not only a visual delight but a powerful reminder of the shared joy and community spirit that Navratri embodies.
Expressing about the spirited event, Dr Akhtar Rashid Wani whose daughter Adeena studies in class III shared, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Apeejay Faridabad for organising such a fantastic dandiya event. My daughter had an absolute blast dancing to the vibrant dandiya beats, creating cherished memories. The distinguished food stalls added to the exceptional culinary display and experience. Overall, it was a joyous celebration, and we look forward to more well-coordinated events in the future!”
Adding to the festive spirit were remarkable performances by young artists, including Harshit, a promising student from T-Series Academy, whose melodious voice mesmerised the crowd. The evening also featured debut performances by Kuntal Chaklader and Arshit Kharaliya, both of whom showcased their vocal talents with soulful renditions that struck a chord with all those in attendance.
In addition to the musical performances, the event also catered to guests’ culinary cravings, with a variety of food stalls offering an array of traditional delicacies. From savoury street snacks to sweet Navratri treats, the food brought a delightful dimension to the evening, ensuring that no one left without indulging in the flavours of the festival. The aromas and tastes added to the overall festive ambience, making the experience more enriching and authentic.
“Another thing is that dandiya is not restricted to one city or one culture now. Being a folk dance form of Gujarat, it has now taken entry at many places which is making the reality of the global community come true. Therefore, we are here living and spreading the culture of Apeejay – to have sambhaav with everyone,” Mrs Krishnan said in conclusion.