Navratri is around the corner and prep for the nine nights of fun is on in full swing. After all, nine nights of song and dance means planning nine different looks, brushing up on dandiya moves and getting your groove on to the latest garba beats of the season. Little wonder then that the cool chokras and chokris are busy signing up for dandiya workshops, making a beeline to local designers to get their outfits ready et al. If you haven’t started planning yet, here’s a ready reckoner.
Match your moves to these beats:
From Bollywood songs to remixes of old hits, dandiya nights have it all. “Dandiya has a different tempo and we match that to Bollywood numbers to make it perfect for the dance. But no matter what the chartbuster or the DJ’s favourite is, these are some dandiya numbers that will certainly be played at every Navratri event,” says DJ Piyush. What else do you need — make sure you’ve got your moves ready.
1. Malhari – Bajirao Mastani
2. Nagara Sang Dhol Baaje – Ramleela
3. Dhol Baaje – Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
4. Radha Kaise Na Jale – Lagaan
5. Disco Dandiya – Love Love Love
6. Pari Hun Main – Falguni Pathak
Style yourself this dandiya:
Going the whole hog, with chaniya choli and antique jewellery is a great idea. But it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and certainly not for every night of Navratri. On days you want to look festive, yet not go OTT, here are some tips by stylist Indrakshi Patnaik.
If you don’t want to wear an OTT ghagra choli, you can pair a plain ganji, with a flowy skirt in Indian prints and finish it with a bandini dupatta. Slip on joothis and voila!
Give your outfit a fusion twist
Slip on your fave distressed jeans and pair it with a mirrored or gamthi crop top for a funky look. chunky bracelets and jhumkis will complete the look. If you can lay your hands on a slinky, layered jeans chain, nothing like it.
Bring out the junk jewellery and silver baubles
Put all your silver jewellry to good use. From coin chains and chokers to maang tikas and sexy kamarbandhs — everything works. Especially on attires that are on the plainer side, junk jewellery will do all the work.
Pro tip:
Keeping the arms bare might be a good idea since bangles can hurt when your dance. Instead opt for statement rings.