Indian cultural event raises funds for Saratoga schools

Twirling sticks, colorful dresses and loud Indian music are not typically seen at Redwood Middle School. However, on the night of Oct. 7, the third annual Saratoga Dandia took place in the Redwood multi-purpose room.

The event included a traditional garba dance, where people dance in a coordinated circular pattern. Following this there was a prayer and then dandia dancing, which involved rhythmic clicking of wooden sticks.

The event, hosted by the Saratoga Indian American Network, is held for the dual purpose of community bonding and charity. While past proceeds have gone to the Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council, this year’s funds, an estimated $20,000, was donated to the Saratoga Union School District (SUSD). The reason for the switch stemmed from a desire to maintain the quality of education that all SUSD schools provide.

Event coordinator Seema Kumar said the Saratoga Dandia Planning Committee felt that the elementary and middle school students needed the money given the recent budget cuts. The $20,000, raised from the sale of more than 750 tickets and donations from sponsors, will be used to update technology in classrooms.

Sophomore Rishub Kumar, Kumar’s son, feels that although the event takes a lot of effort to put on, it is well worth the trouble.

“My mom worked pretty hard to put the event on. I know I had a lot of fun and I think other people also appreciate the effort it takes to put on an event of this size” Kumar said.

Seniors Anjalika Goyal and Sarika Srivastava emceed the event along with sophomore Prachi Dholakia.

“The event is a really great way to meet other people from the community and I really enjoy volunteering so I was excited when they asked me to emcee,” Goyal said.

The Dosai Place catered food and traditional live Indian singers provided entertainment. SUSD superintendent Lane Weiss also attended the event to thank sponsors and try some of the dancing for himself.