89 Class Artificers and the ‘Get-Together Saga’ - Part 3 - 89 - Dancing Tribes

 

89 Class Artificers and the ‘Get-Together Saga’ - Part 3.

On 30^th Aug, by noon time, the 'supposedly' air-conditioned bus reached the accommodation to transport us to Araku Valley. It will pass through the Airport to pick up the last group.

Journey to Araku Valley is incredibly picturesque, offering stunning views along the way- if only, someone has peeped through the windows!  The road is filled with numerous hairpin bends  which add a sense of adventure to the trip. The weather was wonderfully pleasant and ‘sexy’. Occasional fog and the light drizzles frequently occurred should have added a refreshing touch to the atmosphere— 

As the 'charging' continued on the bus, too, everyone was engaged! The driver made sure that no one slept, by sudden breaks and frequent bumps and jumps! Nothing could pour water on to the fun on the run! – even the leaking roof of the bus!  

Fun on the Run!

The lunch break at the enroute restaurant along the hill side was slightly delayed due to the travel, but I thought, it was the best lunch we had on the entire tour.

Lunch Break 

We reached our destination– AP Tourism Haritha Valley Resort- around 6-30 evening.  After a short break and settling in their respective rooms, everyone got freshened up. The ‘out-pipe’ for the evening session sounded. Satish Pape, announced through the mike and PA system for everyone to muster outside. The 3 D session with – Drinks, Dhimsa and Dinner around the campfire is about to start. 

Dimsa dance by Porja tribe

To everyone’s surprise, our Gaarus of Vizag organized a mesmerizing ‘Dhimsa Dance By the Porja Tribe’ in Araku. Dhimsa means 'sound of the footsteps'. It originated from Koraput dt of Odissa, but now mostly performed in Arakku. This amazing addition to the celebration was truly remarkable. Engaging the locals in tourism events is a socially responsible and commendable initiative, deserving much appreciation for the organizers. This tradition, was started by the 89 during the Thrissur get-together, hopefully will continue for years to come.

The colorfully dressed ladies from Porja Tribe, adorned with jasmine flowers in their head, moved rhythmically around the campfire to the beats of the local drums played by their men. Their synchronized, flowing movements in circles, holding hands and bodies connected, were a spectacular treat to watch and engage. They blend seamlessly into the rhythm of the beats and move their bodies like professional dancers. Watching the entire group groove together was a wonderful sight, making the evening truly unforgettable.  

As the ‘charging’ was progressing since noon, 89 ‘spirit level’ in their bodies and minds were already on a high. As the music swelled, the crowd’s excitement grew, each movement of the dancers started captivating and pulled the guys, towards the camp fire!

Ramesh Gaur and Ashok Lamba could not resist the infectious and vibrant energy, anymore…they instinctively took leadership and lead the gang.. ! Seeing them dance, the Porja tribes must have feared losing their territory to this emerging special TRIBE- the 89.!

Please enjoy this wonderfully edited video of Ramesh Gaur and Lamba shaking their legs to the beautiful tribal tune! 

I really wish, the Rajamoulies and Maniratnam’s s take note of these videos and include both these tribal dances in their next movies! Who know GS may also get a call for some editing and script writing?!

As a matured and responsible host and an experienced Telugu Film Director, @YSR Gaaru, supervised the scenario without it going ‘out of hands’, through his firm but polite ‘Good Touch-Bad Touch’ instructions and ensured that the tribal ladies felt comfortable!

When it is dance time, 89 doesn’t sit idle. Everyone are jumping jacks! They just jump onto and take over the stage.  We also have our own Govinda’s and Prabhudeva’s, in our roll.  Few names for special mention are Nagi, Wagi, Adhikari, Arun………..etc.!  Who can forget the romantic steps of Arun and his wife, at the Thrissur Get-Together?! 

Pape and his unique Act;

Satish Pape is one of the few who never misses a get-together. The moment a party is announced, he’s the first to confirm his attendance. Satish always makes his presence felt with his motivational speeches and a unique dance move that very few can replicate. Imagine him placing a liquor drinking glass on his head, balancing it perfectly while dancing along with everyone else! While others struggle to walk after a few drinks, Pape, performs this ‘balancing act’ effortlessly. 

Thanks everyone for being with this journey..!

Please join me for the next one - really important one - the soul of this Get-Together!

Essayes

by SAS