About this activity
Dandiya raas is a folk dance originating from Gujarat, India. It uses sticks, called "dandiyas," to represent swords that mimic a fight between Mahishasura (a demon king) and the Goddess. In this sword dance, participants move their arms and feet energetically to the choreographed music of various rhythms. The accompanying music is usually performed by a live band and features traditional Indian instruments such as the sitar and tabla. In a simple version of the dance, each participant holds two dandiys and gather in two lines facing each other. Then, participants take two steps forward and make contact with both sticks to the person facing them on the right. After this contact is made, the same contact is applied with the person on the left before taking two steps back and repeating this pattern.
Origins & history
Dandiya raas originated from the Gujarat, now a western state of India. It arrived in Canada with ethnic Gujarati immigrants who had previously settled in East Africa, but fled due to political persecution in Uganda in the early 1970s.
When it happens
Cultural festivals, weddings, and special events such as banquets after the birth of a new child or a significant religious observance.
Who takes part
Gujarati people. Although Dandiya Raas has more religious significance for Hindus, it is also popular among Muslims as a celebratory activity.
