DAY TAALI! SURTI SWING IS KING………………
Is it just me or are the Surtis swinging as they walk these days? Methinks the reason behind their graceful gait might very much be the fact that garba classes have commenced .All around Tapi town, from varachha to piplod, citylight to ghodod, parle point to choriyasi dairy road; Bachey, budhey and jawan Surtis are giving it a go to learn dodhiyu in these times of dearth e disco. Its legal dating for the young lovers, de stressing for the elders and skill attaining for the kids. Also for a tuppence of an amount, you get to work out for three months and lose weight as you joyfully dancercise to jhankaar beats.

I know dearies that the nine nights of Navratri are still a couple of months away but what on earth can hold back us fun loving Surtis? The festival is a season of brisk business for many. Enthusiastic Surtis prepare for the same, way in advance. First there are these garba classes, then there are the garba dresses on which unlimited time and moolah are spent .Designing for this season’s Navratri wear has already started full swing, in the backlanes of Maniyara Sheri from where the most popular creations come forth. The trend this year in garba gear is sure to be a cosplay of films like Jodha Akbar. Gota borders will add glitter and glam to skimpy cholis, flowing ghaghras and dhoti- kediyas.Surtis love dressing up and partying and what better way other than this - an entire trimester of Fashion, fun and dance to enjoy and celebrate.

In the 50’sand 60’s, temples and sheris were the only place where Navratri was celebrated. It’s a trend that’s fondly carried on till this date where single, double and triple clap garbas are performed to devotional songs sung in praise of Durga Ma’s nine incarnations. The women folk then started performing arvachin [modern] and prachin [ancient] style of ethnic garbas in mahila mandals. Also, municipal schools held garba competitions on the day of Sharad poonam which later were performed at Surat’s famous amphitheatre-Rangupvan.The 70’s and 80’s saw a more modern trend with dandiya and’ disco dandiya’ coming to age where both women and men dancing to frenzy on filmy music celebrated Navratri in freestyle at community halls or rented grounds. By the mid 80’s, visiting Ahmedabadi’s showed a new way of swirling to us Surtis, that was when the dodhiyu first came to town full fledge ……
This fancy new style became a rage as Surtis swung in, out and all around to get the dodhiyu right. As if the steps were not complicated enough, the hands too were to be twisted and turned without climaxing into a taali [clap]! That of course was just the beginning I mean the 6 and 8 step dodhiyu is just a base for fuddy duddies these days. Surti dodhiyu today has more ingredients in it than Surti undhiyu! We are into the 36 and 42 and still counting, steps these days; with prance fervour enough to put peacocks and butterflies to shame! In actions that make you forget whether you are going to or fro, the dodhiyu drill puts your head in a dizzy spell for sure. No wonder one needs to practice from right now if, in the garba season, one wants to part of the performing crowd.

Most of the classes are run by talented youngsters; they all begin with a small prayer and offerings to goddess Amba, who resides in the centre of the swirling human circle. Dodhiyu these days is performed to popular numbers from films and Falguni Pathak’s garba hits. In case you plan to join one, here are some tips-
Find one which is well ventilated and close to your home.
Stick surgical medi tape to protect your toes [footwear not allowed]
Carry a bottle of water or lemonade to replenish.
Wet tissues are a great idea in these humid days.
Wear stretchy, comfy, cotton clothes.
So go for it Surti, put your hands together and de taali to day time taali! Since the 9 nights of passion are still miles away; hang loose and let the dodhiyu dhamaal make you sway.