Independence Day is round the corner and the celebrations have already begun. On Wednesday evening, women aged between 40 and 70, showed their patriotic side by dancing to songs like Jai Ho, Desh Mera Rangeela, I Love My India and Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyaara Hai. Shoppers at Select City Walk in Saket were in for a pleasant surprise when they witnessed members of city-based women’s organisation, Devditi Foundation and social media group India Saree Challenge break into dance. The flash mob titled Jashn-e-Azadi was organised to mark the nation’s 70th Independence Day.
All the participants, who came from different walks of life, wore identical Kasavu saris from Kerala, and the event was a reloaded version of what the organisers had done two years ago aiming to encourage Indian traditions and emancipation of urban women. “The event was designed as an expression of the empowerment of urban women, their homage to the nation, and solidarity with the country’s traditional craftsmen,” said Devditi co-founder Sapna Khandelwal.
Another cultural event with the same title Jashn-E Azadi, now in its fifth year will be organised by NGO Nehru Bal Sangh on Saturday.
The audience clapped and cheered the non-professional dancers. “We were also performing to contemporise the sari and make it relevant to today’s young generation,” added Vandana Gupta, co- founder of the group. Fashion designer Anu PD, who designed the saris, believes that traditional wear is an expression of woman power and an important voice in the society.
Gurgaon resident Vibha Saboo had choreographed the piece and the participants had done only five rehearsals before the final performance. Renu Jain, 62 and a grandmother of three, narrating her expereince, “Initially I was very hesitant. With my age, body shape and size, I had my inhibitions. But all my friends made me feel so welcome that I felt that I belonged here. I overcame my inhibitions and performed with a child-like enthusiasm. Also my children and grandchildren are here to cheer me and they just told me ‘Dadi, we are so proud of you.’ It was an overwhelming experience.”
Tomorrow evening, a cultural event with the same title Jashn-E Azadi, now in its fifth year, will be organised by NGO Nehru Bal Sangh at Siri Fort Auditorium. The event will see a collaboration of Indian and South Korean artistes and the aim of the event is to make the youth understand the deeper meaning and importance of Independence Day, and not consider it a mere holiday.
