Raut Nacha Folk Dance of Chattisgarh

Folk Dance Raut Nacha

Raut Nacha is one of the other dance forms in the state of Chattisgarh. It is one of the forms which represent the folk heritage. It represents two aspects. First the folk heritage of the state and second the cultural heritage of the state It is performed in order to show the heritage of that region. All the performers are dressed in such a way that they show the value of their region to the viewers.

This dance is performed by the people of “yadavs/yaduvanshis” community. It  is a symbol of gratitude towards Lord Krishna. It is the dance form which is performed to highlight the battle which was between the King Khansa and the people who was Cowherds and belonged to the community of Yadav. . It is one of the popular dance forms which are performed in order to highlight the values, culture, and tradition of the region in the era of Modern world. The dance is performed in order to show the happiness of victory of good over the evil. 

This raut Nacha dance form is mainly performed at the time of `dev udhni ekadashi` for about 1 week after diwali. Myth has it that that it is time of awakening of Gods after brief rest according to Hindu panchanga (calendar). The dance is a close resemblance of Krishna`s dance or rasa dance.It is the dance form which is mainly performed in order to show the different battles fought in the ancient times. The props of long sticks and shields coupled with the light and sound effect presents a real picture of the fierce battlefield. Raut Nacha is a common form of performing art of Chhattisgarh that has added to the glory and grandeur of the state.

The dance plays are very popular and worth watching. Raut Nacha reminds one of the various indigenous folklores of Chhattisgarh.  

It ties the people to the olden culture which is getting lost in the fast pace lives.

Musical Instrument Used In Raut Nacha  :-

The couplets of Kabeer and Tulsi are also recited during the dance performance.

Costumes of Raut Nacha Dance:-

The dance can be performed in an open space or on a big spacious stage. The dancers dress themselves in colourful and glittering costumes. As this drama dance depicts the battle between the cruel king Kansha and Lord Krishna wielding sticks and metal shields can be found in the hands of the dancers. Bells tied to their waists which ring in mellifluous flow, the participants recreate the associated symbolic image of the ancient warriors.

Picture of  Raut Nach Dance :-

Video's of Raut Nacha Dance :-

Panthi Folk Dance of Chhattisgarh

Folk Dance Panthi

Panthi Dance is one of the Indian folk dances of the Satnamis of Chhattisgarh that bears religious overtones. Performed on Maghi Purnima - the birth anniversary of Guru Baba Ghasidas, the dance is evolving still to include a variety of steps and patterns. It highlights the culture and heritage of people in the Santami region. It is the dance form which epitomizes the unique dance styles of the state that reflects the rich cultural heritage and traditional legacies of the indigenous tribal groups of the region.

This dance has been performed with great enthusiasm and zeal during the festive time. The dancers dance around a Jaitk-hamb set up for the occasion, to the songs eulogizing their spiritual head. This dance form starts in a very slow motion where the leader led the whole group. Te people follow the leader during the performance time. With the rhythm of the beats the dance movements start increasing at a great pace which in turn creates an environment of occasion where the dancers take the form of Pyramid like structure. The people who take part in this dance form are the people or member of Panthi Nritya Mandir.

The expressive body posture plays a vital role in the performance of the Panthi dance by the performers casts a magical spell on the audience. The spectators of Panthi dance remain spell bound with the marvelous presentation of unique cultural traits of the indigenous tribal communities. The traditional folk dance of Panthi fills the air with music and dance.

Panthi is one of the prominent dance forms of Chhattisgarh State in India. The Panthi dance reflects the rich cultural heritage and traditional legacies of the indigenous tribal groups of the region. Representing the vibrant and dynamic cultural life of the local inhabitants of Chhattisgarh Region

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.

Musical Instrument Used In Panthi :-

There are many musical instruments which are used during the performance. Drums are the main musical instruments played in the panthi dance. Performers dance on the beats of Mridanga and even on the beats of Jhanjh.

Costumes of Panthi Dance:-

The performers of Panthi dance is dressed up with colorful clothes and also wear jewellery in order to represent their happiness and enthusiasm through their dance performance to the viewers. The dresses are not so heavy as it make sense through the brightness of the clothes wore by them.

Picture of Panthi Dance:-

Video's of Panthi Dance:-