Transcending traditional barriers of celebrating combined festivals within the confines of the four walls of their homes, women of Maheshwari Mahila Mandal have come up with new ways to mark ‘Hariyali Teej’.
With the main focus on music, dance, games and food, more than 200 women of all age groups met at Hotel Four Points by Sheraton to make merry on the occasion of festival of greenery.
Apart from unlimited food platters being served to the guests, interesting events such as ‘rangoli’ designing, salad making and preparing ‘gur ki mithai’ formed part of the day. Experimenting with silvery glitters, colourful beads, fresh flowers, peacock feathers and candles, women of the mandal brought out attractive themes during rangoli competition.
Exchanging gifts is synonymous with ‘Teej’ festival. There were trays of finger rings, trinket jewellery and stone studded ornaments kept for both winners and participants. “To pep up the festival mood, this time, we want to present something funky. Since jewellery is one of the favourite possessions of our community, we wanted to distribute it to our members,” says Manju Rathi, vice-president of the mandal and one of the organisers of the programme.
While some took turns to anchor the show, a few danced to their heart’s content to a line of folk tunes and item numbers.
Dressed in typical Rajasthani style, Pooja, a newly married woman says, “I love to dance. Family get-togethers such as these give an opportunity to hone your creative skills and have loads of fun.”
An array of desserts made of jaggery and salads with unusual combination of beets, and sprouts tossed in creamy sauces were neatly presented by those who took part in salad and ‘gur ki mithai’ contests. “The most difficult part of the event is judging the winners. Items presented here contains plenty of nutritional values and are tasty too,” says Alka, a professional chef, counting the points earned by the contestants.
