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Arangetram question


laundrycrisis
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We are attending the arangetram of a coworker's daughter.  We have never been to an event like this.  I need to know please, what is the custom for gifts ?  We are honored to be invited.  We would like to give an appropriate gift but have no idea what the custom is.  I would really appreciate any guidance on this - thanks !

 

 

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What fun! Cash is always appropriate as the events are generally costly to put on but your presence will be a gift in itself and much appreciated by the performer and her family. Make sure to dress up, the more dramatic and feminine the better. In my neck of the woods glamor and beauty are the overriding themes. Have fun and yes, come back and share your experience.

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Its a big deal for the dancer. Its her debut dance on the stage after years of learning. It has become a big business also, like a sweet 16 or bar mitzvah. The gifts would be the same as for a graduation or a milestone birthday, but your presence is much appreciated anyways more than the gift.

 

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For those not familiar with the term, 'Arangetram' is the name given within the South Indian dance tradition Bharatanatyam to a dancer's debut performance. -

http://www.boloji.com/index.cfm?md=Content&sd=Articles&ArticleID=820

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Its usually a series of dances where there could be costume changes in between. 2-3 hours of solo dancing is not uncommon. So you might want to ask your coworker how long they are expecting it to run and plan accordingly. To be honest, it can get boring for small kids if you plan to take them. Since its your first time, you will have an amazing time, the dance form is exquisite and the amount of hard work that goes into the performance is staggering. She probably would have been practicing 6-7hours on the days leading upto the event. Usually they will serve dinner at the end of the performance. If you choose to leave in the middle, make sure you get there early and meet the host, so they know you were there :-)

 

yes definitely dress up, most of the other guests would likely be in indian clothes. Have fun and let us know how it went

 

 

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