Delhi date-hunts at dandiya nights

For a section of the college-going crowd and young professionals in NCR, the `going to a bar and picking up a date' culture might be restricted mostly to the American sitcoms. But it looks like the festive season has brought extra cheer for this lot.
Given that some of the dandiya nights organized during Navaratra are grand and allow only ticketed entry, the attendees get to pick dateable people out of a select crowd, including cute expats! And the set-up is especially beneficial for them, as there’s a guarantee that the one they pick knows how to dance and even if the date turn out to be not-so-fun, blowing off the person becomes easier as they don’t have to face them in college or office the next day.
Who doesn't love an autumn fling?
Amina*, 25, who works for a law firm in Delhi, says, "Dandiya raas is like a grown-ups’ version of prom night. You'll either spot couples or groups of single people. Everyone dresses up and the weather is ideal for a little romance, or even just a fling. Last year, I attended at least three dandiya nights. I had just broken up and my friends thought it was the perfect set-up for me to meet someone new. I was amused by this logic, but went for it anyway. Surprisingly, I met this really nice guy and we got along pretty well. Sparks flew (quite literally, thanks to the festive season!) and before I knew it, we were a `thing'. It didn't last long and since both of us were fond of dancing, we met at the rest of the dandiya nights as well and that was that. Even though I have no clue where the guy is right now, it was a nice autumn fling. I'm planning to go to a dandiya party at a friend's farmhouse in Chhatarpur this year. Let's see what happens."
Garima*, 27, who works with a PR agency, adds, "It's the best place to meet new people. You are dressed in your best and so is everyone else, and the music and food are great! I had gone with my girl gang last year when we were all single. We met a bunch of decent guys and went clubbing with them after all the dancing. It's not like we kept in touch with any of them later, but yes, three out of the four of us were in touch with the boys for some time. We're planning to go again this year, because honestly, it was the only place where we met decent boys who could dance."
Venue matters
More than meeting decent people, it's the kind of crowd at these venues that’s drawing these Delhi youngsters. Says Naman, a 27-year-old guitarist, "Though the ambience will be very Bollywood, I'm not expecting a Bollywood moment here. It's just that around this time of the year, almost everyone is in town for the holidays and wants to catch up. So, I know for a fact that though just five of my friends have said they would be there, they will all end up calling their other friends as well, and it will be a huge group. This way, you meet new people but in a relatively safe environment – if there is any problem later, you can always track the person down or do a background check, while maintaining a safe distance, in case the person turns out to be clingy."
Says Ruchi*, 24, a graphic designer who works in Noida, "Family places like Dilli Haat are a strict no-no when it comes to looking for a date. So, I’m going with my boyfriend, who has already met my folks, for the dandiya night at Dilli Haat. But I'm also planning to go for a dandiya raas in Gurgaon, where a lot of expats are expected. I don't mind meeting new guys. And just so that my parents and boyfriend don't get suspicious, bol dungi ki office party hai. I'll be in ethnic wear anyway, so they won't suspect that I am out clubbing!"
Different arm candy for every party!
Kanika*, 28, who works at a BPO, says, "I'm already booked for three dandiya nights – one at a friend's place in Delhi, one in Gurgaon, and the Dilli Haat one. And as I'm going with three different groups, I'm going with three different dates – one with a guy from my office who thankfully works in another department, another with a friend's friend whom I've met once and then there's this guy I have almost sealed the deal with. Let's see how things turn out. Last year, I went with a bunch of my school friends who were in town for a dandiya night in Sultanpur, and ended up with my ex. At least this year I know that's not happening, thanks to my already full date schedule."
Says Debolina*, 29, who works with an MNC in Gurgaon, "My parents want me to get married next year and this is the only time left to enjoy my single life. So, this Navaratra, three of my friends and I have made a pact to doll up and go for dandiya nights each day. We’ve already picked out what we're going to wear and have a few parties lined up. I’m open to meeting people because the chances of finding a decent guy during these nine nights is easier than finding someone half decent at any pub in Delhi."
Arjun*, 31, an engineer in Gurgaon, says, "Things aren't going too well with my girlfriend. I don't like clubbing and going to HKV, but dandiya is something I have always been fond of. So, this year, I'm going for a private dandiya party at a farmhouse near Gurgaon and I'm looking to meet new people there. The best part about these dandiya nights is that everyone is in a celebratory mood, away from family and ready to mingle!"
Safest date possible...
For those who've already found someone thanks to the plethora of online dating apps and forums,'dandiya nights seem to be the ideal place for a first date. "I've been talking to someone for two weeks now, and he suggested that we should meet up. So, I invited him for a dandiya night I'm attending with two of my school buddies. It's a public place and there will be enough people around and less scope of things going wrong. Besides, I’m planning to wear a lehenga with a backless choli. Where else will I be able to impress someone in a lehenga, if not a dandiya night?" asks Shweta*, 22, a fashion blogger.
Pankaj, 29, who is pursuing his MBA, says, "I met this girl through a dating app. She wants to go dancing with me and I want her to meet my friends. And since it’s Navaratra, I suggested that we go for a dandiya night somewhere. It'll be an interesting experiment for me, and it'll either seal the deal or I can always look for other options at the venue itself!"
...And pocket-friendly too!
Says Ashish, 28, a freelance designer, "It's one of the cheapest places to go on a date, and there's dancing, so girls love it. I've gone on a few dates with this one girl I met at a friend's party, and our previous few dates have been pretty heavy on the pocket since she never offers to pay. So, I'm planning to ask her out for one of these dandiya nights. All I'll have to do is buy the pass, which is cheaper than going on a date to a nice restaurant. Plus, there won’t be any booze, so the headache of that bill has been taken care of as well."
Agrees Anubha, 26, who works with a publishing firm, "It's a fun, not-so-expensive way to catch up with friends and meet new people. And the dancing is a natural ice-breaker, and hence, ideal for dates, especially if it's your first few meetings with a person. So, I asked this guy out I’ve been on two dates with for a dandiya night."
If nothing else, I'll get good pics
Nikhil, 28, a city-based freelance photographer, adds, "I used to like a girl when I was in college (DCAC). But she went abroad for further studies before I could ask her out. This is the first time she is back during the festive season and I just found out that she'll be going to a dandiya night being organized at a mutual friend's farmhouse. And though I haven't spoken to her yet, I'll go there and impress her with my dandiya moves. Even if things don't work out with her, it'll be a reunion of sorts and I'll get some good pictures!"
(* Names changed on request)