September 23, 2009 > Dance the night away this festive season Dance the night away this festive season By Meenu Gupta Photos By Courtesy of Meenu Gupta There is something about autumn... the fall colors, fresh air and festivities that celebrate the fall harvest. Nine nights of revelry, Navratri, is celebrated with Dandia dance and music galore so don your choice ethnic clothes and dance the night away. Dandia is more than a colorful group dance with decorated bamboo sticks. The rhythmic beats, clattering sticks and jingling bells create an ambience of social engagement, and celebration for a cause. Navratri festival, spread over nine days, worships Goddess Shakti in all her forms which are Durga; the goddess of power, Lakshmi; the goddess of wealth and Saraswati; the goddess of knowledge. In addition to rituals, devotees display their affection by dancing traditional Garba Raas and Dandiya Raas. Several organizations are hosting this highly energetic and popular event. Proceeds go toward providing education and better living conditions for the underprivileged by Small Steps Foundation. Free Dandia lessons will be provided to all ticket holders. Dandia sticks, food and beverages can also be purchased at the venue. Group discounts are available for ten or more people. Small Steps Foundation Dandia Celebrations Centerville Junior High School Gymnasium 37720 Fremont Blvd, Fremont Dandia Nite Saturday, 26 September 7:30 p.m. (510) 375-8625 BAYVP Raas-Garba Challenge 2009 Friday, October 2 8 p.m. www.bayvp.org (408) 891-1471 Vibha Dandia 2009 Saturday, Oct 3, Oct 10 7 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. (650) 862.6684 Raas- Garba Saturday September 26 8 p.m. - midnight Jain Temple 722 South Main Street, Milpitas (408) 262-6242