Dandiya organisers face the heat from GST, demonetization

demonetization, GST and RERA have taken toll on one of Mumbai's most vibrant festivals —Navratri. While commercial Dandiya organisers insist their patrons haven't left them, they claim their sponsors, mainly real estate developers are backing out.

Apart from the money issues, restrictions on noise pollution and subsequent cases are also deterring organisers. Jignesh Bhutta, the man behind Dandiya events in Borivli (lead singers Prieity, Pinky) and Vile Parle (Bhumi Trivedi) confessed that demonetization, RERA and GST affected his main sponsors. Devndra Joshi of Sankalp Dandiya, where Falguni made her fortunes, blames organisers for reducing the stature of the festival.

"This used to be a national event. Today, it is reduced to some pockets in Borivli and Ghatkopar. Why would a developer sponsor local events?" he says.

It is only Falguni Pathak's event at Borivli that has still managed to get builders' support. "They get the audience they want and at cheaper rates than TV or newspapers," said Pankaj Kotecha, organiser of Kora Kendra dandiya. While the crowds have still not turned their backs, organisers find it difficult to follow noise pollution limits — 55 db in residential zones. "We are holding events in areas over one lakh square feet. It's very difficult," says Bhutta. He moots the idea of forming a pressure group like the Dahi Handi, who managed to get the height restrictions off their heads through association.