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When orphans, differently-abled and senior citizens danced to dandiya beats
The organisation’s aim was to bring together two generations and usher the Navaratri festival celebrations with a feeling of joy and inclusivity.
Almost 300 children from different schools for the visually and hearing impaired children and orphanages danced to the beats of Dandiya, at the Dandiya dance function organised by Niranjan Sevabhavi Sanstha on September 20, at Siddhi Banquets near Mhatre Bridge.
Jayesh Kasath, chairman of Niranjan Sevabhavi Sanstha said, “We have been organising this function for the past six years now. We usually spend over ₹2000 per ticket to go and play Dandiya, then why not create such a platform and channel that money to do something much more fun and fulfilling as this.”
The organisation’s aim was to bring together two generations and usher the Navaratri festival celebrations with a feeling of joy and inclusivity. As part of the occasion, these children played and danced with senior citizens, spreading the message of love through their Dandiya sticks.
Bharat Ladhe, one of the organisers said, “These are very special kids, and they also deserve to be a part of this exciting festival. It is to spread this happiness, that we organise this event every year .”
A total of 300 children from almost 10 schools and orphanages across the city had been invited for the event. Some of the participating schools were Poona School and Home for the Blind, Ayodhya Charitable Trusts, College Of Special Education near Wanowarie, Nutan Samarth in Budhwar Peth, Maher Ashram near Wadgaon Sheri, Lokmangal Foundation near Tadiwala road, Prem Bhav Pragyachakshu Vidyalaya and Dharmaveer Sambhaji Raje orphanage.
Twelve-year old Chitra Bhagwat was overwhelmed with joy at the event and said, “I love the Dandiya dance, and I love it even more when we all come together here to dance to amazing songs. It is not just us kids. Many grandmas and grandpas also join us at this function every year. It feels great to see them become young again.”
In order to double the fun, the organisers invited a mascot dressed up as Mickey Mouse, and made arrangements for snacks and goodie bags. “It is absolutely great to dance on Dandiya beats with Mickey Mouse and my friends. It is so much fun and therefore, every year, we meet here to celebrate Navaratri,” said Vitthal Raut, a student from one of the schools for the blind.
