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!

Tribal Life in Orissa – A World in Itself!

Orissa Map

 

Among the beautiful regions in East India, the state of Orissa has a unique charm of its own. The nestling shores, interesting wild life, revered temples, sandy beaches and the blend of primitive and modern life style makes Orissa even more interesting.

The most fascinating feature about the state that remains unrevealed and unexplored to most of the visitors is the tribal life in Orissa, which is a world in itself. Over 62 tribes dot the state of Orissa. The state witnesses the blend of primitive and the modern lifestyle, in the hilly landscape of the Eastern Ghats and the Indo-Aryan coast respectively. It is the coming together of two distinct civilizations with contrasting culture and lifestyle.

A major part of Orissa’s population is constituted by the tribes in Orissa, which comes to about 23 percent of the total population of the sate. Districts such as Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi, Naurangpur, Malkangiri, etc are home to many tribal communities. While some of the tribal communities in Orissa spent a secluded life, some others have been able to get mingled within the society.

The different tribes in Orissa possess varied culture, language, tradition and rituals. These tribes can be categorized into 3 linguistic divisions namely the Indo-Aryan, the Dravidians and the Austric and Tibeto Burmese.  The tribes in Orissa are engaed in various kinds of occupation for their livelihood, such as hunting, gathering and fishing. Those dwelling in the hilly regions of Orissa are involved in shifting cultivation while some are into mills and industries. Tribes like the Bondo and the Gadaba have their looms and are involved in making clothes. Loharas and Mohali are engaged in basket weaving and tool making. Tribes such as Munda, Oran, Ho and the Santhals have switched to mines, industries and factories. That which distinguishes one tribal community from the other is their traditional and cultural background.

Like the other communities, Orissa’s tribal communities strongly believe in the institution of marriage. The most common practice prevalent among the tribes to acquire the brides is through capture, while some other modes are elopement, purchase, service or negotiation.

Religion forms an integral part of the lives of the tribal people in Orissa. Some of the widely practiced religions are animalism, animism, fetishism, nature-worship, anthropomorphism, ancestral worship and shamanism. The tribal communities engage in the joy and merry of various festivals like birth ceremony, marriage, harvesting, sowing, tribal songs and dancing. The popular festivals, celebrated by the tribes are Chaita Parab, Push Parab etc.

Among the major tribal communities in Orissa, one is Bonda Poraja tribe that practices elopement during marriages. Bhunjia tribe is little conservative in their though process and believes in worshipping deities.  Bonda Poraja is an ancient tribal community with huge population while Bagata tribe is a native tribal community conversing in Adivasi Oriya language. Dal tribe believes in Hinduism and also practices those rituals as practiced by the Hindus. The other tribes are Chenchu, Dharua, Holva tribe resding in the districts of Puri and Kalahandi, Jatapu tribe, Kolis, Paroja, Parenga, Saora, Sitha, Tadvi, Sounti, Sabar and many more.

Major Tribes in Orissa and their Areas at a Glance

• Kondh: Kondhamal, Sambalpur, Keonjhar, Koraput, Bolangir, Ganjam and Sundergarh

• Bhuiji: Sundergarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore and Pallahara

• Gond: Bolangir, Koraput, Sambalpur, Kalahandi and Sundergarh

• Santal: Balasore, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar

• Saura: Ganjam, Koraput, and Bolangir

• Gadaba: Nowrangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri

• Koya: Koraput and Malkangiri

• Paraja: Kalahandi, Koraput and Sundergarh

• Oraon: Sundergarh, Gunupur, Sambalpur, and Bonai

• Bonda: Koraput and Malkangiri

• Juang: Keonjha & Dhenkanal

The way the tribal people in Orissa lead their life, it teaches us how we can live to the fullest with very little. Although these tribal people lack the very basic needs of life, yet their lives feel complete. Truly the tribal life in Orissa is a world in itself.

Konark Dance Festival

Konarak, Orissa

 

A small town in the district of Puri, Orissa, Konark is situated 65 km from Bhubaneswar, on Bay of Bengal. Among the prominent cities in the state of Orissa, Konark is popular for being the site of the Black Pagoda i.e the Sun Temple, which dates back to 13^th century. Built during 1236 AD by King Narasimhadeva-I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, the Konark Sun Temple, draws in numerous tourist every year. Deriving its name from ‘Kona’ that is corner and ‘Arka’, which means Sun, Konark proves to be a perfect holiday destination, with its majestic seashore, heritage sites and serene ambience. Apart from these, that which makes Konark even more popular among the tourists is the notable Konrak Dance Festival that takes place every year. This dance festival of Konark is among the major reasons why Konark is thronged by people in large numbers, every year.

The Konark Dance Festival takes place at the World Heritage Site of Konarak that is the seven hundred year old architectural wonder, the Sun Temple. Beautiful work of sculpture depicting the Odissi dance forms, adorns the Konark Sun Temple. The dancing hall or the Natyamadir of the temple is replete with amazingly beautiful interior. Constructed centuries back, on the Chandrabagha Beach, the Konark Sun Temple stands tall as an evidence for the age old Indian culture of devotion and dance.

Organized at the open air auditorium of the Sun Temple, every year in the month of December and February, the Konark Dance Festival witnesses the amalgamation of celebrated performers, musicians, dancers and artists from all corners of India. The Konark Dance Festival is being organized since 1989 by the joint association of the Orissa Tourism and Odissi Research Centre in order to promote the varied dance heritage of India and also the architectural splendor of the Konark Sun Temple and the tourism of Orissa.

You can take pleasure in the various kinds of Indian dance performances such as Manipuri, Bharathnatyam, Odissi, Kathak and Chau and many more. The dances take place beneath a mandap known as the Natya Mandap. The Dance festival at Konark would take you through an amazing journey of classical extravaganza and eternal ecstasy. The sound of the flute, pakhauj or the Ghungroo along with the captivating ambience, would offer you an unforgettable, magical experience of a life time. The dance festival also serves as a platform for the upcoming talents to showcase their talent.

One of the most fascinating features of the Konark Dance festival is the crafts mela that is arranged by the State Industry Department to facilitate the promotion of Orissa art and crafts. Here you can find various souvenirs, sculptures and other art works of the local craftsmen. Apart from being a source of livelihood for the local craftsmen, the crafts mela also helps in spreading the rich variety of art and craft of the region to other parts of India.  Further, the craft fair also draws in numerous people to the Konark dance Festival.

The Konark Festival is organized with great pomp and merry every year. This festival of dance in Konark is organized through the joint efforts of Orissa Dance Academy of the renowned Odissi guru Gangadhar Pradhan and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre in Kolkata.  One of the main aims behind organizing this dance festival is to uphold and promote Classical Art of India globally. In the initial years, from 1989-1990, the dance festival took place for three days. Later, however, as the festival reached its summit of glory and success, the days were extended to 5 days.

How to Reach Konarak

Although Konark is not directly connected by air, yet the closest airheads that helps in reaching Konark is the airport at Bhubaneswar, which is a suitable point to enter Konarak. Jet Air, Sahara, Indian Airlines connect Bhubaneshwar to Kolkata, Hyderabad, Delhi, Madras and Nagpur.

The best way to reach Konark is by traveling through trains. The closest railheads are Bhubaneshwar and Puri. Almost all the important cities in India are connected to these two railheads by numerous trains.

The extensive network of well maintained roads connects Konark to the whole country. The state and national highways links Konark to Bhubaneshwar, Puri and the various other cities in the state of Orissa, along with the neighbouring states as well. There are regular bus services provided by Orissa State Road Transport Corporation. Private buses also ply in Konark. One can reach Konarak from Puri in just one hour by availing the bus services. Konark can be reached from Bhubaneshwar in 2 to 4 hours approximately. Everyday tour buses also ply from Konark to the cities of Puri and Bhubaneshwar. Private cars and taxis can also be hired.

Contact Details

• Konark Natya Mandap
  Arka Vihar, Konark- 752111,
  Orissa
  Phone: 06758- 236835

• Orissa Tourist Office
  Department of Tourism, Government of Orissa,
  Paryatan Bhawan,
  Near State Museum, Bhubaneswar – 751 014
  Ph: +91 674 2432177, Fax: (0674) 2430887

Orissa Tourism

Tourist Map of Orissa

Orissa is situated on the eastern coast of India, along the Bay of Bengal shore. Home to the longest earthen dam in the world, the Hirakud Dam, Orissa is a popular tourist destination of India. From temples to monuments, waterfalls, lakes and rivers and beaches, Orissa Tourism has something for everyone.

Temples form the principal tourist attractions of this state of India. Hindu temples are built in almost in every part of the state. Some of the most visited temples include Konark Temple, Jagannath Puri Temple and Lingaraja Temple.  Jagannath Puri Temple is the most popular among the tourists as well as the devotees. Puri is regarded as one of the four most prominent holy places in India.

The capital city of Orissa, Bhubaneshwar is a top tourist site of the state. The city is considered as the city of temple. In addition to temples, Udaigiri and Khandgiri Caves are must a must visit. Gupta Ganga, Radha Kund, Akshay Ganga and Shaym Kund are four of the famous caves of Khandgiri. There are in all 18 Udaygiri caves, and the most famous ones are Rani Gumpha, Ganesh Gumpha, Bagh Gumpha and Hathi Gumpha.

The beaches of Orissa draw huge crowds throughout the year. Many of beaches of Orisssa are still unexplored. Puri beach is by far the most popular in Orissa. The beach provides spectacular view of the Bay of Bengal. Locals and tourists in huge number come witness sunrise and sunset from Puri Beach. Creating sand sculptures are common in Puri Beach. The other two beaches which are thronged by large number of tourists are Gopalpur beach and Chandipur beach.

Chilka Lake is one of the prime tourist interests of Orissa. Spread over Puri, along with Khurda and Ganjam, Chilka Lake is biggest wintering water body in India for the migratory birds. There are some islands on this lake like Kalijai Island, Breakfast Island, Birds Island, Honeymoon Island and more.

In addition to these, Orissa tourism also includes numerous wild life sanctuaries. Bhitarakanika, Nandan Kanan, Simplipal are three of the important wild life sanctuaries of Orissa. Bhitarkanika, for example, is home to some 170 various kinds of migratory birds, animal and plants.