Kuma Rajiv Nayan
Ara: Dandiya, the Gujrati folk dance, has become a part Navaratra celebrations in Ara town with several clubs and organizations holding ‘garba’ nights. In fact, to give a Gujarati touch to the celebrations, the traditional ‘Chaniya-Choli (Gujrati ghaghra dress for women) and ‘Kedia’ (dhoti and frock for men) are available for hire in the town for as little as Rs 100.
“I have been letting out bridal and causal ‘lehengas’ , ‘Shervanis’, ‘garba,’ dresses and matching jewellery since 2004,” says Gyanesh Jain, who runs the outlet ‘Gifts and Gifts’ at Babu Bazaar. Most of the orders are placed by organizations who want to hire dresses for a group, he says adding “Right now the ‘garba’ set with the dress, accessories and dandiyas is in demand.” While the ‘chaniya-choli’ and ‘kedia’ are available between Rs 150 and Rs 800,’lehengas’ and ‘sherwanis’ are available from Rs 400 to Rs. 2000.
The new arrival on the shelf is LED lights studded ‘chaniya-choli’ for Rs 500 to Rs 700 which has battery supported lights at the waist and glows during the evening events. “I get the clothes dry-washed once I get it back from the customers. If there is any damage, we withhold the security money,” he said.