Navi Mumbai: Navaratri, the nine-night festival of dance and devotion, is set to begin on September 22, and preparations are already in full swing. With dandiya being the highlight of the celebrations, citizens across Navi Mumbai are flocking to workshops and classes to perfect their moves ahead of the festivities.

In Kharghar, the popular ‘Raas’ group, led by trainers Radha Mehta and Sanket Vora, has been conducting intensive dandiya sessions for the past month. Dandiya classes are being held across Kharghar, Kamothe, Panvel, and Nerul, drawing participants of all ages. Over 100 students, including men, women, and children, are preparing to showcase their energy and skills in special Dandiya and Raas Garba competitions. They are practicing popular traditional steps such as Dodhiyu, Tetudo, Dakla, Hudo, Timli, and couple dances. The Raas group will perform at Kharghar Forum near Utsav Chowk, as well as in various housing societies, with a grand finale scheduled at the ‘Dance 2 Fit’ studio. Performances are also planned in Chembur and other parts of Mumbai.

Another group of about 80 participants is training under choreographer Nidhi Jhimulia, who has been conducting Garba classes since July in Vashi, Sanpada, Palm Beach, Belapur, Nerul, and Kharghar. Her sessions, often held in mall-based studios, focus on traditional Garba techniques.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Bhavan in Vashi remains one of the most sought-after venues for dandiya and Garba. Here, renowned choreographer Tripti Thakkar has been running daily workshops for the past two weeks, offering flexible batches. Calling dandiya “Indian aerobics,” she notes that many youngsters use Navaratri as an opportunity to stay fit and burn calories. Her training covers everything from basic do-tali and teen-tali to advanced forms like Popat Dodiya, Galgoto, Dakla Timli Sarkari, salsa-infused steps, and the authentic Baroda style.

Popular Dandiya Joints:

*Forum Kharghar near Utsav Chowk

*Studio ‘Dance 2 Fit’ in Kharghar

* Pragati Mitra Mandal at Minatai Thakrey Udyan, sector 14-15 in Vashi.

* Gujrat Bhavan sector 14 Vashi

*Lohana samaj Bhavan sector 5 Kopar Khairane