It's the time to dandiya

The auspicious nine-day Navratri festival of incessant dancing kicked off on Friday.u00a0Reeta Arorau00a0brings you the top 5 everything of dandiya

Top 5 celebrations
A guide to the biggest and best Navratri and Dandiya celebrations across the city.
Navratri Utsav 2010
Top Indian Idol contestant Bhumi Trivedi will belt out Bollywood and dandiya hits at Tulip Star.
Entry Fee: Rs 300
At: Tulip Star hotel, Juhu Church Road, Vile Parle (W)
Call: 9930260756

Sankalp Dandiya
Dandiya king Devendra Joshi and Indian Idol singer Rahul Vaidya will lead the show at Sankalp 2010, supported by singers Sangita Labadiya and Yashita Sharma.
Entry Fee: Rs 2,500 for season pass
At: Goregaon Sports Club, New Link Road, Malad (W)
Call: 28809911 / 28809922

First Road Navratri Mahotsav 2010
Renowned Gujarati singer Manish Parekh and his group will have everyone dancing to their beats.
Entry Fee: Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,300
At: Jasodha Rang Mandir. Behind Bhaidas Hall, Vile Parle (W)
Call: 32920378 / 0757

Meera's Navratri Utsav 2010
Catch dandiya music group The Beaters, who've been entertaining people with Bollywood and Gujarati hits for 17 years.
Entry Fee: Rs 250 per day, Rs 1,500 season pass.
At: Chandan Kunj (Malpani Ground), Borivali (W)
Call: 9322683210 / 9870051523

Nityaratri Marathi Fusion Dandiya 2010
If you are looking for a cultural collaboration, don't miss this show where you'll hear Gujarati and Marathi songs. Marathi film actors Siddarhth Jadhav, Tripti Bhoir and singers Swapnil Bandodkar and Prasad Oak are at the helm.
Entry fee: Rs 250.
At: Shree Krishna Sports Club, Worli Sports Club, Worli.
Call: 9820612640

Top 3 classic looks
1. Heavy mirror work ghagra choli with ionised accessories.
2. Gota lace work chaniya choli
3. Kedia and dhoti with turban for men

Top 5 places to shop
The festive season is upon us and while we tell you where to go and what to do, it's equally essential to dress right through the celebrations. We've scouted five of the best shops that stock an extensive range of traditional wear.

Banjaran
Banjaran is a 23 year-old establishment known for its traditional wear, and their customer list includes the likes of Sushmita Sen and Karisma Kapoor. While they don't stock accessories and jewellery, if you are looking for embellished ghagra cholis with well-fitted traditional skirts, Banjaran is the place to go to.
At: Shop no. 2, Trident, Nariman Point, Churchgate
Call: 22834521

Shanti Hastakala
Known for Indo-western outfits, Shanti Hastakala stocks it all--traditional wrap-around skirts, halter-tops to tunics and ghagra cholis. Look out for their vibrant embroidered sarees.
At: Nippon II, 37 Juhu Tara Road, Behind Hotel Kings, Juhu, Vile Parle (W)
Call: 9820170674

Zoya Gulistan
Divya Anand's Indo-western collection, available at boutique Zoya Gulistan, comes in bright shades of peacock blue and parrot green. Her collection includes fusion kedias (tops) with mirror-work, backless blouses, traditional waistcoats and halter-tops. Her ghagra cholis and skirts are fitted with mirror work, piping and shells.
At: A Wing, Ground Floor, off Turner Road, D'Monte Park Road, Bandra (W),
Call: 26420888

Gurjar Kutir Udyog
The oldest hub of Gujarati traditional wear, Gurjar Kutir Udyog is known for mirror-embellished dandiya wear. From embroidered ghagra choli to kanjaris (embroidered tops with mirror work) and kedias, the store will have you spoilt for choice. Udyog is especially famous for heavy bandhini cholis. You can even pick your fabrics of choice, and have them tailored.u00a0
At: Baku Shop Complex, Laxmi Narayan Lane, near Kabutar Khana, Matunga (E)
Call: 24010096

Shyam Sakhi
If you are looking for economically-priced outfits, Shyam Sakhi is a safe bet. On offer are ethnic kurtis, heavy chania cholis and kedias starting at Rs 400.
At: 122, Bhuleshwar Road, near Kabutar Khana.
Call: 22412535

Top 5 garba moves
Choreographers Samir and Arsh Tanna give you a lowdown on the most popular garba moves:

Popatiyu
Garba usually consists of a series of four beats. Popatiyu is a dance sequence that uses six beats. Two steps forward and four behind with sequential clapping.

Trikonyu
Starting with your left foot, trikonyu follows a triangular path of movements.

Butterfly
The butterfly sequence involves clapping and moving in a circle, starting from your left.

Dodhiyu
Dodhiyu bears some similarity to Popatiyu, but has more beats. It can be danced to eight, 10, 12, 14 or 16 beats.

Hudo
It involves raising your hands, and clapping your partner on the count of four.

Top 5 celebrities
Bollywood actors and TV stars will infuse a dose of glamour into the revelry and interact with fans. Here's who you'll see:

Indian Idol finalists
Catch Indian Idol 5 winner Shreeram Chandra and finalists Swaroop, Shivam and Rakesh at Sai Group Navratri Mahotsav 2010.
At: Kora Kendra Grounds, opposite HDFC Bank, near Link Road, Borivali (W)
Call: 9322282366, 9322828282

Himesh Reshammiya
Filmmaker Yash Chopra and actor-composer Himesh Reshammiya will drop by at Real Group's Dandiya Raas. Cover charge includes Rs 200 worth of coupons that can be redeemed for food and beverages.
Entry fee: Rs 320 on weekdays and Rs 480 for weekends and holidays.
At: Bhavan's College Ground, DN Nagar Road, Andheri (W).
Call: 9820223443

John Abraham
The actor will dance at Navrang Navratri Utsav along with theu00a0 cast of comedy show Tarak Mehta ka Oolta Chashma.
Entry fee: Rs 200 per weekday, Rs 300 on weekends, Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 for season pass
At: Open MHADA Ground, Sector 7, Charkop, Kandivali (W). Call: 9892412867

Farah Khan
Choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan may teach you some moves on October 17 during Gujarati Mid Day's dandiya celebrations.
Entry fee: Rs 100.
At: Somaiya ground 5, MG Road, Ghatkopar (E).
Call: 67038042

Ali Merchant
Spot the actor who plays Angad in the soap Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat and actor Milind Soman at the grounds of Tulip Star hotel.
Entry fee: Rs 300
At: Juhu Church Road, Vile Parle (W).
Call: 9930260756