Folk Dances in South West India: A Cultural Extravaganza!

 

South West India extends over a long area and covers the states and union territories of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Kerala, Goa, Orissa, and Lakshadweep. Many consider that South West India essentially happens to be the celebration of the beautiful and the eternal universe, by way of celebrating the beauty of the motherhood and body. This is best exemplified in the clothing, sculpture and dance of south west India.

The literature, tradition and culture in the region are more than thousand years old, and yet it is being beautifully carried and portrayed by the folk dances in south west India.

The South West Indian Folk Dances are truly magical and unique. Definitely we can say that Folk Dances in South West India: A Cultural Extravaganza!

Some wonderful forms of south west folk dances are Dollu Kunitha (Karnataka), Ghode Modni (Goa), Lava Dance of Minicoy (Lakshadweep), the Kolkali Dance and many more!

Dollu Kunitha (Karnataka)

For a long time, the folk dance called Dollu Kunitha has been serving as a major attraction at the village festivals or any kind of religious ceremonies at the North Karnataka villages.

It is a kind of drum dance very popular in the state of Karnataka. On the occasion of the dance, large drums are beautifully adorned with colorful clothes. The men slung these drums around their necks. Many a times, songs of wars or religious praise accompanies this dance form. Quick and light movement of the legs and feet forms an interesting aspect of the dance. The tribes in Karnataka, mostly comprises of food gatherers and hunters who stock themselves with many dance and songs related to those of food gathering, hunting, and burial funeral rites. Although an entertaining dance form, Dollu Kunitha dance also has religious connotations and is associated with the deity of Beereshwara or Beeralingeswara. This Deity is mainly worshipped by the Kuruba Gowdas of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Songs and the melody of the drums or Dollu accompany the dancers in this specific dance form. A robust kind of dance with extravagant spectacle, it’s wonderful to watch how the performers enact their respective roles in the dance, effortlessly and with ease.  The Dolu Kunitha form of dance demand the dancers to be strong, well-built men and high on stamina. This folk dance happens to be a beautiful combination of entertainment on one hand and spirituality on the other.

Ghode Modni (Goa)

The Portuguese ruled Goa for many years. So it is quite obvious that there is a very strong European influence in the region that can be felt at the annual Carnival of Goa. A folk dance named Ghode Modni forms the major attraction of this carnival. Literally it means a dummy horse presentation. The main aim of this folk dance in Goa is to bring out the brave acts of the warriors in Goa. The attractively adorned dancers perform with swords to honor the warriors in the region. They recapitulate the deeds and valor of the brave warriors in Goa during the old times, through the use of movements and steps.

Tarangmel (Goa)

Tarangmel happens to be a famous folk dance of Goa. This multi-hued form of dance is exclusively performed by the young boys and girls. During the festivals of Holi and Dussehra in Go, this dance form serve as a major and beautiful attraction to the people.  The spirited young girls and boys are found swarming the streets of Goa in groups, putting in their colorful outfits and waving streamers and flags. They invite everyone to be a part of this festive spirit. Beats of dhol, romut and tasha accompany these little boys and girls.

Ritual Dances (Karnataka)

There are several ritual dances that take place in the state of Karnataka. These include Kavadis, a dance form mainly performed to worship Lord Subramanya or the Balakat dance performed by the Dodavas in the state, during the harvest time. Dollu Kunitha is yet another form of ritualistic dance in Karnataka that belongs to ‘Kumitha’. Further, there are other form of ritual dances also such as Yell-ammana Kunitha, Devare Thatte Kunitha and Suggikunitha These dances are related either to the name of the Deity or the instrument in the hand or on the head.

Lava Dance of Minicoy (Lakshadweep)

Minicoy is well-known for its popular lava dance. The dance is generally performed on the occasion of any festival or similar event, in the Lakshadweep Island. A colorful and energetic form of dance, Lava Dance makes use of songs and drums to the rhythmic beats of which, the dancers perform. They dress themselves in multi-hued outfits and also headgears.

The Kolkali Dance (Lakshadweep)

Literally speaking, the Kolkali dance means a stick dance. The word ‘Kol’ means stick and since this particular dance is performed with sticks, hence it is known as Kolkali. This specific Indian folk dance is very popular in the Lakshadweep islands. Only men can participate in this dance form as women are not allowed to take part. The dancers make pairs, which move in circles following the rhythm produced by the sticks. The sticks are hold by the dancers in hands and are used as props while dancing. Though beginning at a slow pace, the dance slowly gathers speed, thereby reaching the height of passion, ultimately. Folk songs accompany this particular dance form.

The Parichakali Dance (Lakshadweep)

Literally meaning and often referred as the Shield Dance, the Parichakali dance is a folk dance of Lakshadweep islands. Paricha means a shield and the dancers also happen to perform the dance with the help of shields and swords; hence the name Parichakali. This particular dance form is a kind of martial art form resembling fighting and hence the swords and shields serve as the props. Made out of soft wood, the swords along with the dance aims at enacting and honoring bravery without wounding anybody. The common themes around which the dance revolves include freedom struggle, warriors, wars etc. Starting with a slow soft dance, the dance finally culminates into a highly strong and energetic dance. There are songs accompanying the dancers in this folk dance of India.

Folk Dances of Central India are truly charismatic!

Folk dances In India happen to be the specific style and form of dancing that actually originated from amongst the society, region and ordinary people. India has always been the land of diverse variety of dances with folk dances constituting an important part. An essential part of the tradition and culture of India, different region of the country upholds different types of folk dances, all unique in itself.

The fascinating folk dances of Central India are performed on various occasions ranging from marriage, child birth, and festival to good harvest. Presenting you a wonderful sight to behold along with a beautiful experience to cherish, Folk Dances of Central India are truly charismatic!

Come, have a look at some of the popular folk dance forms of Central India:

Gaur Dance

Popularly known as the Bison Dance, Gaur Dance happens to be popular folk dance in Madhya Pradesh. Generally executed by the Bison Horn Marias located in South Bastar, this amazing dance form depicts the tribe’s hunting spirit.  As the name depicts, ‘Gaur’ means a wild bison. Invitation for the dance is given by the blowing of a horn or a bamboo trumpet.

The male performers in this particular folk dance of Central India attack each other thereby chasing the female performers. The dance steps involved here are very similar to that of the movements of a bison. Male dancers can be seen wearing head-dresses decorated with ‘cowries’ and peacock feather plumes. Drums and flutes generally accompany them to the dancing ground. Women dancers, dressed in beaded necklaces and brass fillets on their bodies, joins the male dancers, later. Women are seen entering the dancing ground with ‘Tirududi’, the dancing sticks in their hands.

Muria Dances

The Muria folk dance is known to be mainly performed by the Muria tribals in the North Bastar area. The dance is executed in proximity to the Ghotul Compound. It commences with a prayer to honor the phallic deity of the tribe and also the originator of the Ghotul institution. The boys with the bridegroom carry out ritualistic offerings in the ceremonial place. The Muria dances can be of several kinds such as the Har Endanna, the Karsana, the Hulki etc.

The Har Endanna dance, one of the popular forms is performed during marriages. The Karsana dance is performed for enjoyment. The Hulki dance is a very beautiful form of Muria dance wherein the boys move in circular fashion as the girls make way through them.

Saila Dance

A folk dance in Chattisgarh, Saila dance is performed after the harvest season, mostly by young boys. It is a stick-dance, wherein the performers, standing in one leg each, support themselves to the person standing in front and forms a circle. Next everyone jumps together, by moving round and round. This Central India Folk Dance is largely popular among the people Chhindwara, Sarguja and Betul districts. Also referred as the Danda Nach or Dandar Pate, the dance is mainly performed in the Aghan month and also prior to the advent of the festival of Diwali. Based on distinct themes and identity, Saila dance is performed in several districts of Chattisgarh.

Executed in several variations, this form of tribal dance is basically the hitting of sticks of one dancer with the other and in sync with the beats provided by a ‘Mandar’. The dance comes to an end with the villagers offering paddy to the dancers. The dancers of the Saila dance usually wear pagdi and dhoti-kurta, with a towel or lungi to tie the waist.

Karma Dance

Weel-known among the Baigas and the Gonds of the Chhattisgarh district and the Oraons in Madhya Pradesh, Karma dance is related to fertility cult. This particular folk dace of Central India welcomes the arrival of the green branches on the trees, during the spring time. It is associated with the Karma festival that is celebrated in August. An important dance form in India and Madhya Pradesh, Karma dance usually takes place around the trees in the villages and can be viewed in its full swing during the month of August.

Symbolizing the beginning of the spring season, the dance happens to take place just at the onset of the rainy season and also when it ends. Both women and men can be seen taking part in the dance enthusiastically. The men dancers in the group leap forward while the women performers bend down low to the ground. It is wonderful to see the feet of the dancers moving to and fro in absolute rhythm. It is believed that the oldest form of tribal dance in the state of Madhya Pradesh happens to be this Karma Dance.

The instruments that accompany the Karma dance consist of the Payri, the Chhalla, Thumki and Jhumki. Karma Dance has several other sub-forms like the Sirki, the Ghatwar, the Jhumar, the Pendehar, the Dohoari, the Ektaria, the Lahaki and the Tegwani.

Kaksar Dance

Counted among the performing arts in Madhya Pradesh, as one of the popular and important form of dance, Kaksar Dance happens to be the dance of the Marias Hill. In this particular Indian Folk dance, the dancers are seen carrying in their shoulders, dummy horses and moving gradually in the rhythm thereby making a wide circle pattern.

A festival dance mainly executed by the Abhujmaria tribe staying in Bastar, Kaksar Dance happens to be group dance performed both by young boys and girls. Prior to the commencement of the monsoons, in order to have a good harvest, the Maria cultivators can be seen worshipping God, for invoking blessings. Kaksar dance comes with a unique and fun filled opportunity for the girls and boys to choose their soul mates for life!

While preparing for the dance, the boy performers wear a white long robe, along with a belt made of bells tied round the waist, while the girls can be seen in jewelries and sarees. The melody and the rhythm of the music that gives company to the Kaksar dance are extremely soothing to hear! The enchanting environment created by the sounds of the bell and the music is truly amazing. Other instruments that are used in the dance are timiki, dhol and bansuri.

Jawara

Chiefly performed in the district of Bundelkhand in Madhya Pradesh, this specific form of folk dance in Central India is performed during the harvest time. It upholds the pleasure and gaiety of the peasants and farmers who have been gifted with a good harvest.

Stringed and wind instruments and the percussion accompanying the Jawara dance create a soulful music and a charming environment. Women and men both participate in the dance. While the female dancers wear colorful traditional outfits, they also skillfully balance baskets of jawara, on their heads. Though a vigorous form of dance, yet how the women manage to balance their jawara baskets on the head is a sight is definitely worth watching.

Folk Dances of Eastern India: Unfold the mystical charm!

A land of diverse tradition and culture, India is a beautiful country to be a part of! Every state in India is known for its unique culture that is evident in different art forms of the region. When it comes to music and dance, almost every region of India offers us something specific and unique. The dance and music of the region can very well be said to be the beautiful expression of the many communities and their traditions.

One very beautiful example of the richness and diversity of culture and varied ethnicity in India happens to be the folk dances, which have beautifully survived the taste of time; and in spite of the touch of modernization into every single thing, it has continued to withstand over the years. Different regions in India takes pride in different forms of folk dances each of which bears a special significance. Like the other parts in India, Eastern India has been home to some hundred years old tradition of folk dances. The Folk Dances of Eastern India reflects the tradition of the region. The essence of these folk dances is the rawness present in them. Be it the Chhau of Bihar, Bihu of Assam, Dalkhai of Orissa or Brita Dance of West Bengal, each of the eastern India folk dances takes you to the deep sited traditions and beliefs of the diverse cultural groups.  So with Folk Dances of Eastern India: Unfold the mystical charm!

Chhau (Bihar)

Among the popular folk dances in Bihar, Chhau dance portrays virility and vitality. Derived from the Sanskrit term ‘Chhaya’ that means shade, Chhau means mask. Masks play an important role in this dance form of India that makes extemsive use of steps from a system of exercise known as ‘Pharikhanda’. Chhau performers are seen holding shields and swords as they perform.

That which forms a major aspect of this folk dance in India is the 3 important elements from classical dance, Raga (melody), Tala (rhythmic timing) and Bhava (mood). The dance form portrays the animal world and nature that are confirmed with different forms like Sarpa Nritya (serpent dance), Sagara Nritya (ocean dance) and Mayura Nritya. Themes from everyday life and mythology also form a part of the Chhau dance.

Unlike many other forms of Indian dances, Chhau dance is about vitality and robustness. Powerful and poetic happens to be the body language. People believe that on the 25th day of the month of Chaitra, Lord Shiva invoked this dance and that is how the dance form began. The leading exponents of this mostly men dominated form of art, Chhau are royal princes in Mayurbhanj, the rabble and Purulia farmers, tillers etc.

The main base to the Chhau tunes is provided by the Hindustani ragas of music. The musical instruments that accompany the dance are Nagara, Dhol and Sehnais. The dance lasts for about 7-10 minutes.

Brita Dance (West Bengal)

The abode of thinkers, poets and artists, West Bengal also happens to be the home of traditional folk dances. Vrita or Brita dance happens to be among the important folk dances in Bengal. Usually performed by women in rural areas, the dance takes place at the temple premises for appeasing the deities and invoking blessings. One of the popular beliefs concerning the dance is that when any wish is fulfilled, the Brita dance then performed out of gratitude. Also, following the recovery of any contagious disease such as small pox, the dance is performed.

Dalkhai (Orissa)

Performed mostly in the Sambalpur District in the state of Orissa and other districts such as Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, by the tribal women of Binjhal, Mirdha, Sama, Binjhal, etc the ‘Dalkhai’ happens to be a virile dance that is rendered at the time of festivals. The women in the dance are given company by men who play on the musical instruments. The drummers are often seen joining the dance. Several musical instruments are played such as Dhol, Nisan, Tasa, Tamki and Mahuri. Though the main occasion for the dance happens to be Dusserah yet this famous folk-dance of western Orissa is also performed during festivals like Phangun Puni, Bhaijauntia, Nuakhai etc. The Dalkhai dance has been named so because the beginning and the concluding stanzas uses this word for addressing a girl friend.

The songs of the dance represent episodes from Mahabharata and Ramayana, love stories of Radha and Krishna, descriptions of sceneries etc. The women are dressed in Sambalpuri Saris and scarf and of course the traditional jewelry. The Dalkhai dance has many adjunctive forms such as Rasarkeli, Gunji kuta, Mayalajada, Jamudali, Jhulki, Sainladi, Banki etc. Dalkhai basically happens to be a secular form.

Goti Puas (Orissa)

All credit goes to the pioneering efforts of Raja of Khurda in Orissa, Ramchandradeva following which in the 6^th century, Goti Pua (or boy dancers) came into existence. Ramachandradeva offered refuge to those Mughal soldiers, whom the Afghan troops defeated. Hence Ramachandradeva was quite liked by Mughal Emperor Akbar and also designated as King of Orissa or Gajapati, with loyalty towards the Mughal Emperor.

He was also the Superintendent at the Puri Jagannath temple. During his time, devadasis and maharis became very popular owing to the patronization by the court. An enlightened and sensitive man, it was the initiative of Ramachandradeva that resulted in goti puas coming into being.

Another reason for the emergence of the goti puas could be that the Vaishnavas strongly disapproved women dancing just for a false reason of. Hence as a solution to this problem, the tradition of boys dancing by dressing themselves as girls, came to be introduced.

The term goti means ‘one’ or ‘single’ while Pua means ‘boy’. However, this dance is executed in pairs always. Boys start dancing from the age of 6 and continue performing till the age of 14 after which some become the dance teachers while others join the drama troupes.

At present the goti puas belongs to professional teams called dals that is led by one Guru. Initially the boys are made to learn the very basic of the dance techniques after which they are taught the dance items, expressional and ornamental.

“Bandha”, one among the demanding aspects of the dance forms in the state of Orissa consists of complicated body positions and contortions – this forms the domain of the goti puas. A goti pua dance generally begins with Bhumi Pranam that is a salute of honor to the Mother Earth and concludes with a Bidahi Sangeet, which happens to be a farewell dance and song item. The complete performance continues for about 3 hours.

Three musicians playing gini or cymbals, pakhawaj and harmonium accompany a goti pua performance. The singing is done by the boys only, most of the times. The goti pua dance performance is very organized and consists of items such as Bhumi Pranam, Panchadevta Puja and Battu. At the time of Chandan Jatra festival, the goti puas perform in front of the deities at Narendra Sarovar, a sacred tank located in Puri.

Presently the goti pua dals that have survived are generally found in the villages. Some of well-known groups come from places like Raghurajapur and Dimirisena near Puri, and Darara, close to Bhubaneswar.

Bihu, Assam

Associated with the Bihu Festival of Assam, Bihu is a popular folk dance in the region that marks the coming of New Year. Young women and men both perform the Bihu dance in their traditional Assamese attires. Generally performed under the open areas like tress and other natural surroundings, Bihu happens to be the dance of quick steps with rhythmic movements of hips and arms and specific movements of shoulders and chest. Particular songs ranging from themes of love to village life and greeting the New Year, accompanies the Bihu folk dance in Assam.

Cheraw Dance, Mizoram

Popularly known as the Bamboo Dance, Cheraw is mainly performed by the different tribes from Mizoram. At almost every festive occasion, the dance form is performed. Such dance forms are well-known in the Phillipines and the Far East. So it is quite possible that the Cheraw dance may have got a foreign origin and it came to be popular in Mizoram during the time of migration. Long poles made of Bamboo are put 1 at each end across the logs, fitted on the ground. A person holds each of the pole pairs at each of the ends. Many a times several of the similar pairs are put parallel to one another while sometimes the pairs are laid in crosses. As the bamboos are struck to each other and the logs, the dancers dance to the rhythm of the music. They jump in and out of the bamboos, thereby avoiding getting caught amidst the bamboos. Mostly young girls and women put in their traditional attires and execute the dance, thereby weaving beautiful patterns making their way through the bamboos. The steps are often the mimic of the bird movements and other similar actions. The particular folk dance of Eastern India demands fast and precise footwork since its gets even faster as it continues to proceed!