Rich history is what we think of, when we talk about the northern part of India! North India has been home to many kingdoms like Gupta, Maurya, Mughal and British Indian Empires. This resulted in the introduction of diverse culture into the region. This variety and diversity of customs and traditions reflects beautifully in the North Indian Dances.
A beautiful combination of mythological elements and narrative forms, the folk dances in North India are amazingly exquisite. There is a dance for almost every occasion. Some of the North India folk dances have a ritualistic nature and are performed during the harvest time. The Bhangra dance of Punjab is a dance, which is performed during the harvest time. Other such dances that mark the beginning of harvest seasons and cultivation are Hurka Baul in Uttar Pradesh and Dhamyal of Haryana.
Besides these harvest dances, there are other colorful folk and tribal dances as well. These include Dumhal dance performed by the Wattal tribe in Kashmir, Namagen of Himachal Pradesh, Nati dance of Himachal Pradesh, Jhumeila and the Chaunfla of Garhwal etc. Each of the folk dances in North India is unique and exquisite in its own way. The costumes of each of these folk dances amazingly highlight the tradition, culture, taste and festivity of a wide segment of people in the northern region of India. Folk Dances in North India: Experience the Mystical Diversity through these following folk dances:
Bhangra, Luddi and Gidha (Punjab)
One of the energetic and popular Indian Folk Dances is Bhangra. It is performed by males usually. Originating in the state of Punjab, the dance is quite popular during the Punjabi festival, Baisakhi. One of the captivating folk dances of Punjab, Bhangra includes athletic feats and interesting tricks. During the performance the dancers dressed in turbans and lungis surround the drummer.
Yet another beautiful Punjabi folk dance is Luddi performed by the men folk. The dance is performed for celebrating victory. The movements of the snakes are copied in this particular dance.
Gidha is the dance executed by the women folk in Punjab. Either a woman or a pair of women dancers dance away to glory as others surround them and clap in perfect rhythm. This dance is generally performed at the time of the Teeyan festival for welcoming the monsoons.
Dumhal is a beautiful Kashmiri folk dance. It is performed with the help of colorful, long robes and tall conical caps that are studded with shells and beads. Songs provide company to the dancers of the Dumhal dance, wherein the dancers themselves sing the songs. One of the interesting features of this dance is that, the performers position at a particular location, a banner on the ground and then around that banner they start to men dance.
The autumnal hue in the state of Himachal Pradesh is celebrated in the month of September through the performance of the Namagen dance. The costumes in this particular dance form are generally woolen. Apart form this, the women also wear heavy silver ornaments, during the dance.
Some of the popular seasonal dances in Uttaranchal are Jhumeila, the Hurka Baul of Kumaon and the Chaunfla of Garhwal. Hurka Baul folk dance of Uttranchal is performed at the time of maize and paddy cultivation. On a specific day, post the preliminary ritual, Hurka Baul is performed in various fields, turn by turn. This particular dance has derived its name from the word hurka that represents the drum. The drum provides the dance with the sole musical accompaniment apart from the baul that is the song. There is a singer who narrates stories of heroic deeds and battles, while the players are seen entering from 2 opposite sides and enacting the stories through a sequence of crisp and fine movements. The farmers are found to form 2 rows and then move backwards in harmony, by responding to the rhythm and the tune of the song.
Chholiya is yet another popular dance belonging to the Kumaon region in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is generally performed at the time of marriages. With the procession proceeding towards the bride’s house, the male dancers arm themselves in swords and shields and dance vivaciously.
Hikat is a famous folk dance of Himachal Pradesh that is performed by the women in the region. It is executed in pairs wherein the dancers extend their arms to their front and also hold the wrists of each other. The bodies of the dancers are kept inclined towards the back. The dancers keep on making rounds of the same place. Since Himachal Pradeh is a land of festivity and celebration, this dance also forms a part of that same festivity.
Dhamyal, also known as Duph, is a folk dance of Haryana. The dance is performed either by men alone or along with women as well. Duph means a circular drum that is played by the male dancers, lightly, during the dance. During the spring season in Haryana, its time for celebration, just after the harvest and field work has been completed. This dance forms a part of this celebration.
Lahoor is a dance that is performed by females. It is accompanied by songs that are phrased with witty questions and replies.
This is a popular dance form in the magical land of Rajasthan and a well-known folk dance in India. In this particular Rajasthan folk dance, the dancers are seen forming group with slim, long sticks in every hand. The dancers dance in rhythm by striking these sticks to each other’s. It is a beautiful dance to watch, full of chants and energy. There is a drummer who stays right in the center and keeps playing particular tunes from time to time. Dandiya is usually performed during ceremonial events or essential festivals. The dancers put on their gorgeous Rajasthani out-fit.
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