Garba, Dandiya dance functions missing politicians dearly

With Assembly polls imminent in Gujarat, Garba and Dandia-Raas, the traditional dances performed during Navaratri festival, are badly missing their politicians, ardent patrons of various functions held in the festive season.

By Uday Adhvaryu

Ahmedabad, Oct.16 : With Assembly polls imminent in Gujarat, Garba and Dandia-Raas, the traditional dances performed during Navaratri festival, are badly missing their politicians, ardent patrons of various functions held in the festive season.

Be it the government support that used to come as a major encouragement to the nine-day festivities or enthusiasm of the dancers who felt encouraged by the presence of political leaders, Dandiya Raas and Garba are not as exuberant this year.

"Earlier, the government used to be fully involved in the preparations of Navaratri, but due to the announcement of elections, the enthusiasm has been quite low. The organisers are holding the events but the encouragement that Government used to extend has very much ebbed down," said Hirav Trivedi, one of the organisers of Garba functions.

The children, however, do not mind the absence of politicians. They are thrilled to be part of the celebrations.

"I enjoy a lot during Navaratri and it is my favourite festival. I love dancing," said Shelvi, a participant.

Though elections for the State legislature will be held on December 7 in Gujarat the election's code of conduct has already come into force since the announcement of elections was made be the Election Commission of India.

The Government of Gujarat has been sidelined from the events like Vibrant Gujarat. The bigwigs from industrial arena called GINFS (Gujarat Industries Navaratri Festival Society) have organised events like Nav-Shakti Gurjari and other events. On the whole, Navaratri fervour is missing this year in Ahmedabad.

ANI