The razz-matazz, the frazzle-dazzle, the jingle jangle.
The dazzling colours, the over-size bindis, the bangles, the sequins.
The sexy Sabyasachi sarees, the shimmering Ritu Beri lehangas, the chanya cholis, the glittery duppattas.
It was a riot of colour, with women dressed in the brightest, each looking more divine than the other.
Suffice it to say, the sights and sounds at this year’s Sakhi Sangam completely bedazzled me, a first-timer. Just as I had heard, I felt as though I had walked into a glam Page 3 event in the Bollywood capital city of Mumbai!
A great concept, Sakhi Sangam (literally, “girlfriends gather”) is a massive girls’ day out: it achieves and fulfills the innate desire in every Indian woman to dress up in traditional glamour, feel beautiful, and be surrounded by the warmth and love of friends. Over 700 women attended the Punchbowl event this year, coming from all parts of Sydney (the Croatian Club here being the largest indoor function centre that can accommodate so many).
As always, the stately Nandini Thadani and the bubbly Sushma Ahluwalia, organisers of the day, welcomed each sakhi (girlfriend) warmly with a little gift. This time round it was a beautiful blue lotus – the international symbol of peace and good fortune.
As I looked around to jot down notes for my “fash file”, I saw the old and the new blending in beautifully, in a typical ode to contemporary India. Traditional jewellery (from the very Indian mangalsutras, nathanis, tikkas in the hair, payals on the ankles) vibed well with more modern amulets, designer chokers and sparkling tattoos!
Kaajal and deep black kohled eyes added depth and mystery; the lips were lush with colour; the hair was combed down or held up in a bun; the bangles shimmered enticingly.
There were women from all walks of life, professional women, corporate women, socialites, restaurateurs, creative types, mums and homemakers, grandmothers, kids, all dressed to the hilt!
It was also very special to see women from outside the Indian community joining their desi friends.
My challenge was to capture in my camera, the nakhras, the adaayeein, the sparkling gaiety and the laughter, symbolizing this marvelous event.
“The Indianess, the opportunity to dress up and spend time in a beautiful setting with my friends is what brings me back each year,” said one of the sakhis.
“I love the way we are treated – almost feels like a big festive Indian wedding – there is so much excitement and anticipation. I start looking forward to this many weeks in advance,” said another.
“I love the loud music and the mehendi – I feel like I am back in Delhi’s Karol Bagh attending a friend’s sangeet ceremony”.
These and many such similar sentiments are what I heard throughout the event.
The gracious Preeti Thadani and the gorgeous Natasha acted as MCs for the day. Preeti initiated the function by welcoming the divas and giving a little background to the occasion.
The entertainment began with that all-time hit, Kajra re – the beautiful young dancers seemed to be acting out every Indian woman’s fantasy: to be as captivating as the beautiful Aishwarya Rai!
Dancer Diya came on to burn the floor channeling every Bollywood ‘item’ girl’s fantasy, Munni, Sheila and Chikni Chameli. Clever choices indeed, and perfectly timed too, just as the jokes were beginning to get a bit naughty and the laughter a lot louder!
The final punch came with the latkas and jhatkas of the spunky Jyoti who performed in her trademark style on a list of mast Bollywood songs. Her stage presence, her nakhras and her enthusiasm almost had me jump out of my seat and wriggle my hips wildly along with her, forgetting my camera, my notepad and yes, my inhibitions too!
Sensing the growing restlessness of so many women tapping their feet and dancing in their chairs, the floor was thrown open for the divas.
What a scene: as soon as DJ Dimple started the first song – Subah Hone Naa De from Desi Boyz – it was like electricity, thunder and lightening in the room! There were almost 500 women on the floor gyrating and twisting to the beats.
Torn between capturing the electric atmosphere and doing a little gyrating myself, I think I safely managed a bit of both.
Lunch was a sumptuous, mouth watering feast, in line with what we have come to expect of the well-known restaurateur Manjit, whose own wife, the polite and friendly Kanwal, has been a sakhi for years: paneer tikka, kachoris and samosas, followed by Punjabi chicken, dahi kadhi, chole pindi, vegetable jalfrezi, rice, an assortment of rotis and salads. The rasmalai at the end added just the right amount of sweet to round it all off perfectly.
Afternoon bingo was a cosy affair, with lots of exciting prizes including dinner vouchers at some leading Indian restaurants in Sydney and movie tickets.
Post that, once again the floor was opened to the divas for some dancing!
Meanwhile, Meena Bazaar, that old Mughal tradition where women splurged on trinkets, was on again in full swing: the jewellery stalls, the clothes stalls and the mehndi stalls all did fantastic business. Sakhis gathered around the stalls – doing what we do best – shop!
What a beautiful, magical day it turned out: dressed to the nines, girlfriends in tow, dancing, feasting and shopping! Life couldn’t be more perfect on a sunny winter’s day in Sydney.
Jab mel ho sakhiyon kaa
aur sangam ho dilon kaa ,
toh phir kyun na ho
ooh laa laa, ooh laa laa!!!
It’s adieu to all the sakhis – till next year!