On the night of October 18 and 19, Woodbury residents will once again have the chance to dance to the pulsating drums and music of the Dandiya Raas, a traditional dance form in the western India state of Gujarat.

This Hindu festival of Navratri, which means nine nights, is a celebration of Goddess Durga in her nine forms.

In Gujarat, Navratri celebrations include garba, traditionally a dance performed by women in a circle around a clay lantern or lamp as well as Dandiya Raas, a form of dance using two sticks (dandiya) that is performed by both men and women.

The festival, which takes place some time in October based on the lunar calendar, has been celebrated in Woodbury for many years. The Gujarati Samaj of Minnesota hosts this event at the M Health Fairview Sports Center in Woodbury. There will be a live band and singers from India performing traditional songs and people from around the Twin Cities and even neighboring states like Wisconsin and North Dakota, dancing to the heady beats of the music. Both men and women are dressed in traditional outfits for the occasion.

M Health Fairview Sportscenter has been a very popular venue for many years, mainly because the space has lots of room for the musicians and dancers. On the second level, tasty Indian food like samosa, chana masala, lassi are available for purchase as well as some Indian clothes and Indian jewelry. One can enjoy the food, watch the colorful dancers and feel the beat of the pulsating music though the plexiglass on the upper level.

Tickets cost $15 and are available here. The event begins at 7 p.m. both nights at 4125 Radio Drive in Woodbury.