There’s something about festive nights that makes even the most stoic souls want to twirl. Maybe it’s the music, maybe it’s the lights—or maybe it’s the sight of your son wielding dandiya sticks like a warrior in a sequined kurta. Whatever the reason, Raag Rang’s Dandiya Night in Ranchi turned out to be one of those rare evenings where culture, chaos, and choreography collided in the most delightful way.

Judhajit’s Masterstroke

Let’s begin with the plot twist: this wasn’t my idea. The credit goes to my son, Judhajit, who decided to surprise the family with a night of dance and drama. He floated the idea to me with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for biryani buffets, and before I could say “Garba,” he had booked the tickets.

When he broke the news to Jagrata and Tania, their reactions ranged from gleeful to glam-prep mode. Out came the ghagras, bangles, and a flurry of WhatsApp messages about matching outfits. The anticipation was palpable. Judhajit had nailed it—and not just the logistics, but the emotional pitch of the evening.

The Scene: Lights, Beats, & Swirling Kurtas

The venue was a kaleidoscope of colour and sound. Picture this: strings of fairy lights, the pulse of dhol beats, and a sea of swirling fabrics that made you feel like you’d stepped into a Bollywood dream sequence—minus the choreographer and plus a few enthusiastic men doing freestyle bhangra.

Jagrata, Judhajit, Tania, and I dressed for the occasion, fully immersing ourselves in the spirit of Dandiya. The colourful costumes added to the festive mood. Jagrata looked radiant in her traditional attire, while Tania matched the elegance with her own beautiful ensemble. Judhajit and I opted for bright kurtas, ready to hit the dance floor or the park.

The Joy of Dancing Together

One of the highlights of the evening was the dancing itself. Raag Rang had set up an energetic and enthusiastic atmosphere that encouraged everyone to let loose and join in the festivities. As the rhythmic beats of the Dhol and music picked up, I couldn’t help but immerse myself in the dance. Jagrata, Judhajit, and Tania quickly followed suit, and soon, the four of us swayed to the beats, sticks in hand, participating in the lively Dandiya Raas.

The dance floor was filled with people of all ages, moving in sync with the music. Whether it was an energetic Dandiya Raas or a slower Garba, the joy was infectious. Families, couples, and friends danced together in circles, creating a sense of community and shared celebration. The synchronization of the steps, the clashing of the dandiya sticks, and the music blending with the laughter of people made it an immersive experience.

Dancing with my family brought me immense joy. Seeing Jagrata smile as she enjoyed the music, Judhajit grooving to the beats despite his hectic work schedule, and Tania gracefully matching the steps, was heartwarming. It was moments like these that reminded me of the joy that festivals bring, not just through the rituals and celebrations but also through the connections they strengthen.

And Then… a Crown I Didn’t See Coming

Just when I thought the night couldn’t get better, the organizers announced awards. Much to my surprise and delight, I was named the “Most Energetic Male” of the night! Being acknowledged on stage in front of so many enthusiastic participants was a heartwarming and exciting moment. Receiving the award made me feel honoured, and it only added to the incredible energy of the night.

I walked up to the stage, trying not to trip over my own excitement, and accepted the award with the grace of someone who knows his dandiya moves may never be replicated—but will certainly be remembered.

The award was presented with much fanfare, and I had the privilege of going up on stage to receive it amidst cheers and applause. It was a proud moment not just for me but also for my family, who were cheering from the crowd. I believe my energetic moves on the dance floor must have caught the attention of the judges, and I’m grateful for this recognition.

The Afterglow

As the evening drew to a close, we all left with wide smiles, tired but happy. Raag Rang’s Dandiya Night not only provided an opportunity for us to celebrate the festival but also gave us cherished family moments. The dance, the music, the food, and, most importantly, the time spent together, made it an unforgettable night. The festive fervour, combined with the joy of being surrounded by family, made this Dandiya celebration truly special for us.

Dandiya nights like these remind me of the beauty of our cultural traditions — how they bring together people from all walks of life, creating an atmosphere of joy and shared celebration. And in the company of loved ones, these moments become all the more precious. We look forward to more such festive nights, where the fun, laughter, and joy never end.

Postscript: Why We Dance

We dance not because we’re flawless, but because we’re free. Free to be silly, to be spirited, to be seen. That night, surrounded by my family, I remembered that joy doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from participation. From showing up, stick in hand, and saying, “Tonight, I twirl.”

Here’s to more nights of laughter, more awards we didn’t expect, and more stories that begin with, “Remember that time at Raag Rang…”