Security beefed up at Dandiya venues in Gujarat

Ahmedabad, Oct 3 : Security has been beefed up during the nine-day long Hindu festival of "Navratri" in the wake of recent bomb attacks at several places in the country.

Navratri festival that began on Tuesday saw the musical groups gearing up for cultural programmes like the energetic Dandiya dance. The scenario was very colourful in the cities like Ahmedabad, which is considered the hub of Dandiya celebrations in the country.

Groups of young people dressed in traditional attire with women wearing long skirts dancing to folk tunes and performing "Dandiya" with a pair of sticks is a common sight during Navratri.

There are hundreds of clubs, which organise "Dandiya" across the country and organizers are taking no chances with the security arrangements and at the same time they don't want to dampen the festive spirits.

"We have made all the security arrangements here and the people know that Rajpath (one of the Dandiya clubs) is a safe place. So the people are coming here to enjoy. We have taken all the precautions like we have installed cameras, we have the armed guards, so people know it is a safe place and as you can see everyone is enjoying," said Mukesh Patel, Vice President of a club organising Dandiya in Ahmedabad.

The fear of bomb blast however did not deter Dandiya fans like Saurabh from festivities.

"The fear which was there in us due to recent bomb blast is not there anymore. Everyone is enjoying and celebrating the festival of Navratri by playing Dandiya. Even when I came out there was ample traffic on the roads," said Saurabh.

The Navratri festival is celebrated in honour of Hindu Goddess Durga, a manifestation of the Mother Goddess in Hindu mythology.

It is believed that during the days of Navratras, Goddess Durga descends on earth to rid it of demons and bless her devotees with happiness and prosperity.

After fasting during the day, there are celebrations during the nights.

ANI