NEW DELHI, October 13, 2010: Traditional clothes, tilak ceremonies, mehandi and reading scriptures are spome Navratri customs that not just Delhiites but also athletes from 71 other countries are observing in New Delhi.
Participants at the Commonwealth Games Village were treated to the traditional tilak ceremony to mark the beginning of Navratri. â€œPlayers are not venturing out for security reasons, so we are trying to give them the festive flavor inside the village,â€ says Ashok Kumar, incharge of operations at the Games Village.
Dandiya performances by various troupes have also been lined up as part of the daily cultural program. â€œThe idea is to create a fun atmosphere,â€ adds Kumar. The players are enjoying every bit of it. â€œThe celebrations are quite elaborate, and weâ€™re loving it,â€ says Rashid Sarafu, a Nigerian athlete.
The Delhi government has also arranged for city tours to take athletes to culture hotspots like Dilli Haat, where the mood is even more festive. â€œForeign athletes who have been there have indulged in mehandi and bought bangles and colourful dupattas,â€ says Rina Ray, principal secretary, Delhi government. â€œWe have also distributed booklets that have the whole Ramayana in English,â€ she adds.