This Diwali, Rajasthan Club brought the festive spirit to life with Dandiya Raas: Rhymes of Diwali at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, featuring music, dance and vibrant celebrations.
Diwali – the festival that brings people together in joy, light and celebration – came alive in the heart of Delhi this year in a spectacular way. A grand cultural program, Dandiya Raas (Rhymes of Diwali), was organised by the Rajasthan Club, one of the city’s leading social and cultural organisations, at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, also known as the National Stadium at India Gate. This vibrant event attracted thousands of people, turning the stadium into a lively hub of music, dance and festive cheer.
From the moment you entered the stadium, the festive spirit enveloped you. Strings of lights decorated every corner, casting a warm glow that seemed to reflect the happiness in everyone’s faces. Families, friends and even complete strangers came together to celebrate the essence of Diwali. The sounds of laughter and conversation filled the air, but it was the music that truly set the mood. As captivating tunes played, with singer and artist Rahul Vaidya setting the stage ablaze, people couldn’t help but move to the rhythm. The beauty of this event lay in its ability to bring everyone together – no matter where you were from or who you were with, you were part of the same celebration.
Dandiya Raas is more than just a dance; it’s a cherished tradition. Dressed in colourful ethnic wear, people of all ages twirled and clashed their Dandiya sticks in perfect harmony. There was a certain joy in the simplicity of it all. The bright colours of lehengas and kurtas, the clatter of sticks, and the smiles on people’s faces created an atmosphere that was truly unforgettable. It didn’t matter if you were an expert or a first-timer; the excitement was infectious, and everyone found themselves joining in the fun.
Beyond the dancing, the stadium was filled with the sights and smells of Diwali. Food stalls, with their tempting aromas of traditional sweets and savoury treats, were a popular spot throughout the night. Whether you were grabbing a plate of hot jalebis or a bowl of spicy chaat, the food was as much a part of the experience as the dancing. It added to the warmth of the evening, as people shared meals and stories, deepening the sense of community that Diwali always brings.
What made this night truly magical was the feeling of unity. Diwali is a festival that symbolises the victory of light over darkness, and this event was a shining example of that. The energy of the crowd, the shared joy of dancing together, and the simple pleasure of being part of something bigger than yourself all came together to create an unforgettable Diwali experience. Anurag Garg, the head of the Rajasthan Club, along with General Secretary Sunil Prakash, highlighted how the organisation, founded 56 years ago in 1968, has always aimed to carry forward cultural traditions while providing healthy entertainment to the community.
As the night went on, the dancing only seemed to grow more lively. With every beat and every twirl, the crowd became more in sync, moving as one in celebration. It was a reminder of the beauty of togetherness and how, in moments like these, the true essence of Diwali shines through. Everyone left the event with full hearts, knowing that this night had captured the true spirit of the festival.
This Diwali, Delhi didn’t just light up with lamps and fireworks – it lit up with the smiles, laughter and joy of people coming together for a night of unforgettable celebration.
