Sidis celebrate as Obama takes charge in US

Dressed in a black coat,Arif stood in the middle of a huge group of Sidis,rejoicing the day. The sounds of dhamma,malunga,nafil and misira (the main props used for the dance) echoed in the air and Sidis,in their traditional dresses,danced for hours.

The boy mimicked Obama’s style of oratory and the body language,and gave a formal thank-you to the audiences.

“I felt like a real president. I was covered with garlands and people came and shook hands with me. I am just a mechanic working in the neighbourhood. But today,my happiness knew no boundaries,” said Arif.

Sikandar Sidi said,“He has some features of Obama. All of us in the colony call him Obama. So,we thought that today,since it is the most important day in Obama’s life,we should make it special for us also.”

The Sidis of Pattharkuva are known for their proficiency in Sidi dhamaal and are often called by the government offices for cultural festivals. However,last year,according to the dancers who perform every year,they were called for only one event in Ahmedabad.

Sidi Rumana,a lady in the community,said: “Last year,we didn’t get enough cultural events to perform. Dhamaal is the only occupation of Sidis here. But today,we danced with the hope that this year would be ours. With Obama becoming the president,we have hopes that we will be heard now.”

Ninety-five-year-old Sidi Fatema,the oldest woman in the community,said: “We are proud of that man (Obama),who rose above all races and is set to rule the world. We have been suppressed for long,but now,the entire world will hear us.”

She expressed the hope that Obama would come to Gujarat once and that will bring an end to their problems.

Sidis,who are of east African descent,were brought to India nearly eight centuries ago by Arab and Portuguese merchants as slaves. Many of them settled in Bharuch,Surat,Saurashtra and Ahmedabad.