n the Gujarati tradition, Saanji Na Geet forms an integral and colorful part of the wedding celebrations. Loosely translated as an evening of music, Saanji Na Geet (Saanji) is an opportunity for the bride's and groom's families to get further acquainted, have some fun together and dance the night away. These functions traditionally feature the famous Gujarati dances, Garba and Dandia Raas, accompanied by traditional Gujarati folk music.
Our hands on guide will give you some practical advice on planning the perfect Saanji and, along with some ideas to personalize your celebrations.
The Venue
Firstly, you need to choose a suitable venue, which is easy for your guests to get to. Depending on your budget, this could be a hotel, banquet hall or community hall.
Ascertain the number of guests that you and your fiancé will be inviting and choose a hall, which is large enough to provide sufficient dancing space for all your guests.
You will need to provide seating for the elderly, and those who either don't want to dance or are unable to dance for long. Ascertain whether chairs are provided with the hire of the hall and enquire if there is any extra charge. Placing chairs around the perimeter of the hall will provide sufficient dancing space. If possible, hire a hall that has a seating gallery upstairs, or an anteroom as this allows for greater flexibility.
Enquire whether the hall comes with an adequate microphone and speakers (PA) system, and if not request your band or DJ, to bring their own equipment. Equally importantly, you should check whether there are any restrictions on live music performances after a certain time.
If you are going to be serving your guest's snacks or a meal, check whether the venue has a kitchen with re-heating facilities, should you need them. Once again enquire about any extra charges.
Ensure that the hall has a car park or that there will be sufficient parking space nearby for the guests to park their cars.
An agreement over the telephone does not count as a confirmed booking. Insist on getting a confirmation in writing, as well as receipts for any deposits that have been paid. Ensure that you know who the contact person at your chosen venue is and keep in touch with them to ensure that someone will be around to help you on the night.
Decorations
The type of venue you have chosen will decide how much you need to decorate, to create the desired ambience. Community centers and school halls often lack character and will require more attention, compared to hotels and banquet halls.
Most wedding decorators and Mandap providers are experienced in providing décor for different types of wedding festivities, including Saanjis. They will provide you with all the props you need for a beautifully themed event and will suggest ideas which you may not have thought of.
Ideas that you could discuss with them include:
A traditional Gujarati village theme, complete with rural backdrops, bandhani style divas, traditional garbos and floor cushions and bolsters, embroidered with mirror work.
Traditional chalk rangolis or fresh flower rangolis, in the foyer or at the center of the hall, accessorized with candles.
Fresh flower arrangements and torans (garlands) decorating all the entrances to the hall.
Colored lighting effects and pyrotechnic (indoor fireworks) displays.
Indoor fountains and water features with floating candles and flowers.
Catering
Most Indian festivities are not complete without food! Whether you will be providing a full meal or an assortment of snacks is up to you and your budget. Do make sure that you provide plenty of drinks, as your guests will get thirsty whilst dancing.
If you have hired a hotel or a banquet hall for your Saanji, enquire whether the venue allows you to use an outside caterer, or if you have to use theirs.
When you visit your chosen venue, think about the logistics of where food can be served. If possible try to plan things in such a way to keep the eating and dancing areas separate. As Saanjis are events of some religious significance, all food should be pure vegetarian.
Music & Entertainment
In our opinion nothing beats a live band who know how get the crowd going, but many DJ's are also well equipped with all the latest Garba and Dandia music.
Before you book a band or DJ, ensure that they are well versed in performing for Saanjis. It often helps to ask friends or family for a personal recommendation. If at all possible, go to hear the band or DJ perform at another function, before you make a booking, so you can listen to the quality of their singing.
Take the time to explain to your Band or DJ exactly what type of music you want to have at your function. Possibilities range from traditional Gujarati folk music to more upbeat disco dandia and bollywood songs. If you're lacking inspiration have a look at the list of songs which we've recommended, or take a visit an Indian music shop.
Discuss the format of your evening with the band or DJ so that they rehearse the relevant songs and provode the right music. You may also want to talk about the following;, the length of time allowed for Garba, Dandia and other dances, co-ordinating with a master of ceremonies, when the "aarti" will take place in the evenings proceedings and time slots allowed for rehearsed dances by friends and family.