The dandiya sticks are out, the dancing shoes have been strapped on, and the celebratory mood is in the air as revellers celebrate Navratri with fervour. What goes into ensuring that the nine nights of non-stop music and dance are filled with rhythm and rejoicing? That’s what we ask singers Shruti Pathak and Purva Mantri. While both have performed in Mumbai before, this year marks a new chapter as Pathak performs her first-ever Navratri celebration in Ahmedabad. From prepping for months ahead of the festival to building vocal stamina, the two singers break down the art of curating Navratri nights.

Excerpts from the interview.