In a first, govt organises ‘flash mob’ to mark Rashtriya Ekta Diwas in Mumbai

In a first, the government organised a “flash mob” on Monday to mark Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on the 141st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, taking passersby at the Gateway of India in Mumbai by a pleasant surprise.

In a first, the government organised a “flash mob” on Monday to mark Rashtriya Ekta Diwas on the 141st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, taking passersby at the Gateway of India in Mumbai by a pleasant surprise.

Masked dancers from across the country gathered at the Gateway of India last week and performed to ‘Saare Jahan Se Achcha’ last week.(Video Screengrab)

According to officials, lending colour and joy to the occasion, masked dancers from across the country gathered at the Gateway of India last week and performed to ‘Saare Jahan Se Achcha’, highlighting the country’s biggest strength — unity in diversity.

A flash mob is characterised by a group of people suddenly assembling in a public place to perform for a brief time before quickly dispersing into the crowd.

Dance forms included Thayyam, Chhau, Kathakali, Bavada and Mayur Nritya, the officials said.

“This riveting performance — a flash mob of sorts — caught the general public, passersby and tourists completely by surprise, creating a wave of excitement and spontaneous participation. Its video was shared on the net, which too is finding a lot of traction,” a senior information and broadcasting ministry official said.

The use of a flash mob was unique and unprecedented in a government event in India, the official added.