Young revellers celebrate Navratri in Hyderabad

Young revellers soak in the Navratri spirit, unseasonal showers notwithstanding.
Va Vaaya Ne Vaadal Umatya... goes a popular garba song, describing how the wet winds strongly reel in, nudging the clouds. Not just this, in fact, most garba songs have a mention of the beauty of rain-washed skies. While the rains may have taken the lyrics seriously, with the city receiving some showers, it hasn’t dampened the festive spirit.
A REASON TO DANCE Not one to be deterred by rain, garba enthusiast Rishil Sheth says, “The only thing I don’t like about the rains is the mucky grounds. Otherwise, who doesn’t like to dance in the rain? We solved the problem by having our own garba party at a friend’s terrace. We will take turns to host it in our homes if the rains continue.” Well, you could host these parties too! Chuck the garba finery, get into comfy clothes, have hot chai/coffee and some thumping garba music ready and you can make the most of this uncalled for downpour!
HANG OUT, FOLKS Hailed as the longest dance festival in the world, youngsters really look forward to these nine nights. For those who don’t like the idea of dancing in the rains, there are other options. Says Parth Thakkar, “My friends and I do like garba, but we don’t fancy getting wet in the rains, so we sit indoors and do something fun.” Navratri is a great time to meet friends and make new ones, so make sure to at least go for a drive. if not, go for a movie, indulge in some shopping or simply hang out at the beach or in malls. It’s the infectious Navratri atmosphere that matters.
THE FOOD FUN If the rains have thrown a dampener on your garba plans, make most of city’s restaurants and hotels. So what if there is no dancing, try compensating by having food! Says Kahini Jhaveri, “I simply love garba, but I don’t fancy getting my feet dirty in all the slush. It’s not a good idea to walk around in a dripping chaniya choli. But I can’t give the sumptuous food on offer a miss.” Rushina Doctor looks at the positive side, “Food and dance are the two loves of my life. So the money I save on garba passes will invariably go into food!”
SAFETY MEASURES Says Shlipi Shah, “Rains during Navratri can be a health hazard. So, if there are performances, organisers must ensure that the stage is dry. Otherwise, there is the danger of getting electrocuted by the instruments. So, all necessary precautions must be taken. The best way to solve this problem is of course to get a dholi and do it the traditional way! Try throwing in some manjiras and dance to the patter of rain and beats of dhol this Navratri. Go shake a leg in the rains, enjoy piping hot food and a late night rainy drive. After all, Navratri is all about having a blast!