LUCKNOW: After a long wait of two years and following multiple requests from Dandia lovers, Dandia nights will be back this year in the city but with restrictions in place.
Some organisers have planned to host Dandia and Garba events but it will be no where close to the pre-Covid festivities as several safety precautions will be in place against the pandemic virus.
Event organisers said they had been flooded with queries and requests for such events during Navaratri. As a result, while dancing to groovy film and folk songs would be a possibility again, only those who are fully vaccinated can hope to get into such events.
The duration too would not be like earlier when Dandia beats and frenzy continued late into the night.
Usha Rawat, a resident of Gomtinagar, has decided to host a Dandia night in her society for women. She said that people had largely been confined to their homes for a year and most were vaccinated by now. Hence, a group had decided to celebrate for a few days with protocol like masks and distancing.
“We will make the most of the opportunity by dressing up in traditional outfits and decorating the venue,” she said.
Some hotels and cafes are also organising Dandia events but unlike previous years, no celebrity performers or artists will be coming.
“Our in-house DJs will organise the music for the event on October 9. Entry will be restricted and all will be provided with costumes and masks,” said Ramasha Abbas, the organiser at a Gomtinagar cafe.
At Lucknow University, a Dandia night on October 9 will be organised for students and teachers.
Like every year, GD Goenka School has collaborated with a hotel for the event. “We will go big on the event this year but entry will be limited and ticketed. The event will be a perfect blend of modern and ethnic. There will be lucky draws, games and stalls of authentic cuisine,” said an organiser.
However, like many other events, the famous Avadh Garba Festival stands cancelled this year too.
“We get a crowd of 2,000-3,000 people. Even if we put all restrictions, it will be very difficult to check every person. Safety is paramount and therefore, we will organise the event from next year,” added Akanksha Saxena.
