From : Deepak Dhyani9 (UAE) - Uttarakhandi Holi in Dubai (2010)
UAE based Highlanders from Dev-Bhoomi Uttaranchal/Uttarakhand gathered and celebrated festival of Colors “Holi” as “CHAROLI 2010” at Mamzaar Beach Park (Dubai) in Traditional Uttaranchali/Uttarakhandi Style on 26th Feb 2010 with enthusiasm and gaiety. The festival, which marks the onset of spring, brings together people from all classes and age groups as they play with colors distribute sweets and take out processions. Approx 250 Highlanders from different parts of UAE came to venue and participated in each part of the event which was organized by Uttaranchali Association of Emirates (UAE Group) to promote Uttaranchali/Uttarakhandi cultural and Values to fellow Uttaranchali/Uttarakhandi and pass it to next generation. Event was a great success in term of uniting Uttaranchali/Uttarakhandi community and showcasing our cultural which is still followed in our Villages.
It was all out Uttaranchali/Uttarakhandi event at Mamzaar beach which attracted lot of attention from other communities too which were camping near-by, few Arabic/Pilipino/Europeans joined us during our Music/Dances and even requested to put colors on them. No one can resist our Music and Colors of Charoli.
In Uttaranchal, Guys make “Charoli Toli”, dress colorfully, take white and red flags in their hands and go village to Village singing Thadya Songs and get some money from villagers. To create same feeling, Mr. Nandu Negi dressed in Traditional charoli dress using green leafs, colorful cloths, Blanket and a Sword for “Charoli Toli” and other members of Toli made Charoli Flags (red and while color) and they presented Dance on the tune of Uttaranchali/Uttarakhandi Music. That was the time everyone felt like being in Uttaranchal/Uttarakhand.
We arranged small water guns for Kids to involve them also in the event actively and each one seems to be enjoying more than anyone else.
Pahadi Dhol was the most hit among all music instruments we got that day… It’s was good to see so many musicians and Singers. Where Vinod Jethuri, Narendra Rawat & Deepak Jakhmola were good at music instruments on the other side Arun Mamgain, Nandu Negi, Santosh Rana, Udairam Mamgain, Geeta Chandola & Vimla Rawat were distinguished singing Talents.
Among all other enjoyment our Ladies and guys sang Traditional Charoli Song (Garhwali Thadya Geet) along with Bedu Paku bara masa (Kumauni Folk Song). It was very well supported by Jhumelo Dance. We find few very good female and male talents who can dance in Uttaranchali/ Uttarakhandi style, which we plan to use for teaching others.
To give all around traditional feel, snacks were also traditional that includes “Gujiya”, “Namak Pare” and “Pakode made of Udad” (Few of our female members prepared Pakode at their home).
At the end all Uttaranchali/Uttarakhandi felt closer to their roots and promised to support the effort of reviving/spreading our Culture and Community Identity. With a Promise of Meeting again on 19th March for “Holi Milan & Cultural Picnic” at Abu-Dhabi Airport garden all departed with proud and sense of belonging.
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Regards
Team UAE Group
