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EAST INDIA
Ruk Mar Nacha (Orissa)
This is a rudimentary form of the more evolved Chhau dance of West Bengal. Performed in the Mayurbhanj district of Orissa, it has its base in the martial arts tradition. The dance is a stylised mock battle in which two groups of dancers armed with swords and shields, alternatively attack and defend themselves with vigorous movements and elegant stances.
Especially notable is the accompanying music, noted for its rhythmic complexities and vigorous percussion. The instruments include 'Mahuri' - a double reeded instrument, 'Dhola' - a barrel shaped two-sided drum, 'Dhumsa' - a hemispherical drum and 'Chadchadi' - a short cylindrical drum.
Purulia Chhau (West Bengal)
This vibrant dance drama is an enthralling enactment of events from the great Indian epics - Ramayana and Mahabharata, to depict the victory of good over evil. The dance commences with an invocation to Lord Ganesha. The dancers attired in colourful costumes, headgears and masks, enact the story through their acrobatic movements in rhythm with the vigorous drumbeats. The stylised depiction of mythological events makes Chhau an immensely popular dance.
Karma (Munda), (Bihar) The traditional dance gets its name from the Karma tree, which stands for fortune and good luck. The ceremony starts with the planting of the trees. Dancers, both men and women, form circles around it and dance with their arms around each other's waists. As the drum beats get quicker and louder, the dancers gain momentum and generally end in an uproarious tumult.
Rangoli Bihu (Assam) The delightful folk dance is performed during the Bihu festival. The whole village participates in the dance as the dancers go from house to house. The dance is performed to the songs of love and romance and has a lively beat and graceful movements. The dance begins in a slow tempo, which gradually quickens as the dance proceeds. Bihu dance, in its varied forms, is also performed during various stages of cultivation and at the advent of new season.
Singhi Chham (Sikkim) It is a masked dance of Sikkim , depicting snow lion - the cultural symbol of the state. (Snow lion was decreeed the guardian deity of the people of Sikkim by Guru Padamsambhava.). The third highest mountain in the world - Kanchenjunga (Khang-Chen Dzong Pa), standing sentinel over the state of Sikkim, is believed to resemble the legendary snow lion. The natives display their cultural symbol by dressing up in furry costumes and performing this majestic masked dance.
Bardo Chham (Arunachal Pradesh) A fascinating folk dance of Sherdukpens - a small community of West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh, Bardo Chham depicts the victory of good over evil. The dance has an interesting background. According to the local beliefs, mankind is ruled by forces - both good and evil. The folks believe that in one year, twelve different types of animals, representing evil forces, appear each month and get together. The sherdukpens mask themselves representing the different animals and dance to the accompaniment of drums and cymbals as an act of fighting the evil forces.
Chang Lo / Sua Lua (Nagaland) This dance of the chang tribe of Nagaland was performed to celebrate the victory over enemies in the earlier times. Presently, it forms a part of all the community celebrations like Poanglem - the three day festival preceding the harvest season. The dramatic costumes of the traditional Naga warrior and the finery of womenfolk make this dance a visual treat.
Cheraw Dance (Mizoram) Cheraw dance is an amazing combination of rhythm and skill. Four people hold two pairs of long bamboos across one another on the ground. As the bamboo sticks are clapped together, the main dancers in traditional attires weave patterns through them in time to the rhythm. Cheraw is a major attraction during all festive occasions in Mizoram.. Cheraw is believed to have a foreign origin. Similar dances are popular in the Far East and the Phillipines. The Mizos must have brought the dance with them when they migrated to their land in India.
Hojagiri (Tripura) Hojagiri is a reflection of the age-old culture and the unique style of dance of of the Reang community of Tripura. Only lower half of the body is moved to create rhythmic movements. Dancers performing unusually amazing acrobatic feats is the main highlight of the dance.. Reang girls twist and turn and dance in time to the compelling rhythm, sometimes dancing on an earthen pitcher or balancing a bottle on the head with a lighted lamp on top of it.
Lahoo (Meghalaya) The original name of this traditional dance of the Jaintia tribe of Meghalaya is 'Chipiah'. The dance gets its name from the rhythmic chant of the singer - 'hoo-ah-hoo'. The dance is performed in gratitude for God's blessings and his bounty.
Thang Ta (Manipur) Thang Ta is the martial art form exclusive to Manipur, with 'Thang' meaning sword and 'Ta' meaning spear. In this amazing display of the traditional art of warfare, performers leap and attack each other and defend themselves. Encouraged by the kings of the earlier times, Thang Ta is an ingenuous display of skill and creativity. The art has a ritualistic aspect with some movements of sword intended to ward off evil spirits, while other postures indicating protection. All the dance forms of Meiti people are believed to have originated from Thang Ta.
NORTH INDIA
Bhangra (Punjab) One of the most exuberant dances of India. Bhangra was originally linked to harvest celebrations. But owing to its vigorous rhythm and lively music, the dance form has become a national rage. Traditional songs are sung and the dance starts on a slow tempo. The drummer at the center sets the pace and as each couplet ends, the rhythm quickens and the dancers are inspired to perform various acrobatic feats
Charkula ( Uttar Pradesh) The spectacular dance is performed in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh - the land of Lord Krishna and his consort - Radha. Veiled women balancing large multi-tiered circular wooden pyramids on their heads, alight with 108 oil lamps, dance to the strains of 'rasiya' - songs of Lord Krishna. Charkula is especially performed on the third day after Holi - the day which Radha was born. According to legend, Radha's grandmother ran out of the house with the charkula on her head to announce the birth of Radha, Since then, Charkula has formed a popular dance form of Brajbhoomi, performed during various festivities.
Ghoomar (Haryana & Rajasthan) Beautiful women dressed in multi-hued skirts swirl gracefully during this lively dance. Ghoomar is performed by young women and girls during various festivities like Holi, Gangaur Puja, Teej, etc.. In Haryana, the songs sung for Ghoomar are high-pitched and rich in humour and satire. In Rajasthan, Ghoomar is performed to the songs of valour and victory.
Spaw Dance (Ladakh) This 'martial' form of dance is a brilliant display of courage, stamina and skill of 'dPao' or the powerful warriors of Ladakh., who once defended the freedom and territorial integrity of the land. Their martial art has taken the form of this fascinating dance, which forms an inseparable part of the Ladakhi culture.
Kinnauri Nati (Himachal Pradesh) The pristine beauty of hilly Himachal finds an eloquent expression in the languid and elegant movements that form a part of the marvellous Nati dance. The dance matches the gentleness of the hilly breeze and the rhythmic swaying of trees. The dance is mainly a mime but also incorporates some abstract but languid sequences. Important among the dances of Nati is 'Losar shona chuksom', which takes its name from Losai - or the New Year. The dance depicts all the activities involved in sowing the crop and reaping it..
WEST INDIA
Kalbelia Dance (Rajasthan) The fascinating dance is performed by the women of Kalbelia community. The main occupation of the community is catching snakes and trading snake venom. Hence the dance movements and the costumes bear resemblance to that of the serpants. Dancers attired in traditional black swirling skirts, sway sinuously to the plaintive notes of the 'been' - the wooden instrument of the snake charmers.
Koli (Maharashtra) The dance derives its name from the fisherfolk of Maharashtra - Kolis, who are noted for their distinct identity and lively dances. Their dances incorporate elements they are most familiar with - the sea and their occupation of fishing. The dance is performed by both men and women - divided into two groups. The smaller group of men and women , in pairs, enact the main story of the dance - where the Kolin or fisherwoman makes advances to the Koli or fisherman. The larger group, also in pairs, forms the backdrop for the story, dancing in a looped movement that depicts the rowing of a fishing boat on undulating waves.
Tarangmel (Goa) The multi-hued dance is all enegy and youthfulness. On the occasions of Dussehra and Holi, the spirited young girls and boys swarm the streets in colourful group, waving flags and streamers (tarang), inspiring and inviting one and all to imbibe the festive spirit.. They shout Ho! Ho! To the beats of 'romut', 'dhol' and 'tasha'. The rainbow like costumes of the dancers and the multi-coloured flags and streamers make Taranmel a visually appealing affair.
Dandiya Raas (Gujarat)Dandiya Raasis a simple, rhythmic dance performed by young people moving around an imaginary circle in measured steps to the beat of dandiya sticks that they carry in their hands. The beat for the dance is kept by the clacking sticks, with clapping hands keeping pace. A variation of this danceis Matka Nritya in which performers strike their fingers against empty pots to generate a distinctive beat. In the Mer Rasa, the dance begins on a slow note but the tempo speeds up during the performance. Members of the shepherd community perform the Gher Rasa using long sticks. Another agricultural community performs the Gheria Rasa holding a stick in one hand and a peacock feather in the other. Yet another variation of the Dandiya raas is the Gof Gunthan in which dancers carry sticks in only one hand, and a length of coloured string in the other. The latter is woven into a unique pattern as they move around in a circle.
Garba (Gujarat) The Garba is a popular Gujarati folk dance performed by women. This fertility dance involves perforated earthen pots in which an oil lamp is palced symbolising embryonic life. This is balanced on women's heads as they move around a circle,snapping their fingers and clapping their hands to produce a fast beat.
Tippani Dance (Gujarat) Women from sea side resort of Chorwad beat the floor with long sticks, and sing to the pace, while others dance in swirling skirts. With such simple instruments as a `turi' and a `thali' (brass plate) the members of the Halli community perform an energetic dance, usually performed during Holi,Diwali and at weddings.
The Padhar Dance (Gujarat) It is performed by a ruralcommunity living around NalLake. In it, performers simulate the rhythmicmovements of roving mariners and the undulating sea waves. The Bhil tribes wholive close to border tracts, and the Adivasis of Dangs district, have particularly lively folk dances.
Dharmar & Hamchi Dances (Gujarat) The Siddis or Abysinnians who came from Africa to serve in Gujarat centuries ago, perform the Dharmar and Hamchi dances - these are usually energetic, with a fast tempo.
CENTRAL INDIA
Panthi (Madhya Pradesh) The folk dance of the Satnami community of Madhya Pradesh bears religious overtones. Performed on Maghi Purnima - the birth anniversary of their Guru Ghasidas, the dance is evolving still to include a variety of steps and patterns. The dancers dance around a 'jaitkham set up for the occasion, to the songs eulogising their spiritual head. The songs also reflect the Nirvana philosophy, conveying the spirit of renunciation of their Guru and the teachings of saint poets like Kabir, Ramdas, Dadu, etc. Dancers with bent torsos and swinging arms continue to dance till carried away by their devotion. As the rhythm quickens, they indulge in acrobatics and even form human pyramids.
SOUTH INDIA
Devarattam (Tamil Nadu) Devarattam or 'the dance of the gods' is the dance of the Kambala Naikar community of Tamil Nadu, who believe that they are the direct descendants of the 'devas' or gods. Fast and fluent movements to the rhythmic sound of 'Deva Thunthubi' - a drum-shaped percussion instrument, make this dance truly enjoyable. . The dance is performed during festivals, marriages and other social occasions.
Dollu Kunita (Karnataka) The vigorous drum dance performed by the men of the shepherd community known as 'Kourba'. Powerful drumming, acrobatic movements and attractive formations are the notable highlights of the dance.
Thapetta Gullu ( Andhra Pradesh) This is the dance form of the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, in which more than ten persons participate, singing songs in the praise of the local goddess. The dancers use drums which are hung around their necks to produce varied rhythms. Tinkling bells around the waist form a distinctive part of the dancers' costumes.
Garadi (Pondicherry) The famous dance of Pondicherry is believed to have a purely mythological origin. As the legend goes, when Rama- the epic hero of Ramayana defeated Ravana then the vanars (monkeys) performed this dance to celebrate his victory . Garadi is performed during all festivals and usually continues for five to eight hours. The dancers are disguised as 'vanars' and carry sticks in their hands as they dance to the beat of two big drums, called 'Ramadolus'. A distinctive feature of this dance is the iron rings called 'anjali' which dancers wear on their legs - ten on each leg. As the dancer proceeds, these rings produce a melodious sound.
Lava Dance (Lakshadweep) It is the colourful dance of the Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep in which dancers wear multi-hued costumes, a head gear and carries a special drum. The dance movements are prolific and profuse and are in rhythm with the drum beats and vocal accompaniment.
Nicobarese Dance (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) This is the dance of the Nicobarese - the fascinating tribal group residing in the island of Car Nicobar.. The dance is performed during the Ossuary Feast or the Pig Festival. Dedicated to the departed head of the family, the occasion is observed with night long dancing in the full moonlight under the swaying palms. The dancers dressed in coconut fronds step gracefully in time to traditional songs. Feasting and good food followed by a pig fight in the morning are other highlights of the celebration.
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