80 Siddis to run night marathon

SURAT: The first night marathon in the city next Sunday will also see participation of a contingent of 80 Siddi athletes competing with African runners and 50,000 sprinters from Gujarat and other parts of the country.
Siddis, the descendants of Bantu tribe of South East Africa, are settled in several villages of Talala taluka of Junagadh district, since several centuries. Siddis are natural athletes and could give the favourites — the runners from Ethiopia, Kenya and other African countries - a run for their money.
Hanif Naraja Jummais 25-year-old and from the Siddi community. He belongs to Moruka village in Talala taluka and works as an electrical workman in the city. "I came to know about this run and thought of giving it a try. Runners from my community would be arriving in the city and we will begin our practice soon for the event."
There are 1,500 members of Siddi community in 10 villages near Gir sanctuary. Their ancestors had been brought to the princely state of Junagadh around 300 years ago by Portuguese traders. They settled around in the district and began working as farm hands.
"My grandfather told me that we are originally from Uganda. I don't know the language nor have seen that country. I know Gujarati and follow Gujarati traditions only," Hanif said.
However, one tradition that the Siddis have kept alive is that of Dhamal dance.
"The Siddis will perform Dhamal dance on African beats during the marathon," said Danny Nirban, director, Surat Marathon Company.
The original name of this dance form is Goma. This term is believed to have been derived from Ngoma drum of Bantu East Africa and has spiritual significance.
Siddi runners who are competing in the marathon are from Jhambur, Talala, Rasulpara, Vadla, Jawantari, Hadmatiya, Surva, Panikotha and Moruka villages of Junagadh district.