Garba Folk Dance of Gujarat

Folk Dance Garba of Gujarat

Garba Dance is a popular folk Dance of Gujarat and is also famous in all parts of India. The word Garba is derived from the word `Garbha Deep` (a lamp inside a perforated earthen pot). The light inside the perforated earthen pot symbolised the embryonic life. This also signifies value of knowledge (light), as opposed to the darkness (ignorance). This dance form has connection with Shakti-Puja i.e. worship of goddess having powers over all. Its origin is believed to be in the worship of goddess Jagdamba.

It is a circular form of dance performed by ladies on the Navaratri days, Sharad Purnima, Vasant Panchami, Holi and such other festive occasions Traditionally the dance is held during the festival of nine days of Navaratri. Ladies place the pot known as Garba with the lamp on their center, leaning to one side every step. A betel nut and a silver coin are placed within the pot, termed as Kumbh, on top of which a coconut is placed. It is said that just as Lord Krishna popularized the Ras dance, Usha the grand daughter-in-law of Lord Krishna is credited to have popularised Lasya Nritya, which is known today by the name of Garba dance. The dance form of Garba has more fluid movements with hands clapping in unison, bodies gracefully bending sideways while every step and arms coming together in beautiful sweeping gestures in different directions. Where almost always all the movement ends in a clap. Garba songs are mostly in praise of Mother Goddess Amba.

Today the Garba dance is divided into two types- modern and traditional dances.

Different types of Raas Garba are Dandia Raas, Taliclap Raas, Khanjari musical instrument raas, Manjira musical instrument raas, diva clay lamp raas, Tippni special stick raas, Talwar raas, beda raas, thaliplate raas,etc.

Musical Instrument Used In Garba :-

Various instruments accompanying the dance are Damru, Tabla, Nagara, pot drum, percussion, Ektaro, Ravan hattho, Jantar, Pavo, shehani, murli, turi, naal and taturi. Even, in some parts now the Harmoniums are also used.

Costumes of Garba Dance:-

Both men and women usually wear colorful costumes while performing garba. The girls and the women wear red, pink, yellow, orange, and brightly colored Chaniya choli, a three-piece dress with a choli, which is an embroidered and colorful blouse, teamed with chaniya which is the flared, skirt-like bottom, and dupatta, which is usually worn in the traditional Gujarati manner. Chaniya Cholis are decorated with beads, shells, mirrors, stars, and embroidery work, mati, etc. Traditionally, women adorn themselves with jhumkas (large earrings), necklaces, bindi, bajubandh, chudas and kangans, kamarbandh, payal, and mojiris. Boys and men wear kafni pyjamas with a Ghagra - a short round kurta - above the knees and pagadi on the head with bandhini dupatta, kada, and mojiris.

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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.

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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.

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Paika Folk Dance of Jharkhand

      Folk Dance Paika

Paika is one of the very famous dance forms of Jharkhand performed by the Munda community. The Mundas originally came from North West India, but later moved to the Chota Nagpur Plateau. They began their settlements here by clearning forests. They were the first tribal people to resist colonization. The Paika Dance of the Mundas symbolises the great war of their community against the British.

It is a dance form where martial arts are mixed with some other dance steps. This is why the dance form is only performed by the male members of the society. It is said that this type of dance form was performed by the people known as Paikas in ancient times. Paikas were the group of peoples or soldiers who served their lives for the safety of the kingdom. This is the main reason why this dance forms known by Paika.

 The dancers hold bows, arrows, spears, swords and shields and the dance is, in fact a stylized worship of arms. The martial character of the dance is retained by the use of the shield and sword. The dancers display their skills in handling the sword and shield and the dance reaches a climax with the fast beat of the Madal. Previously the dance was performed to welcome guests, but nowadays it is also performed on different happy occasions like weddings. The Dussehra celebrations remain incomplete without this dance. Besides their protective chest blades, the dances also wear colourful headgear and bells around their ankles. This captivating dance form, which is indigenous to the Mundas, is a martial art with variations throughout Jharkhand.

It is performed by men in such a way that it automatically attracted the eyes toward the dance which is performed with greater risk. There are swords and shields are included in the performance time. Men used to hold sword in one hand and in other hand they used to hold shields.. It is mainly performed for the purpose of welcoming their guests during any occasion time and the dance adds more glaze to the festivities.

Musical Instrument Used In Paika Dance:-

Paika in Jharkhand is accompanied by the melodious music of Dhol,Dhak, Nagara, Nardingha, Bheir, Shehnai, Ranbheri and many more. All the instruments being played simultaneously add an extra loadstone to the whole occasion.

Costumes of Paika Dance:-

As it is one of the marital dance form, it is needed for the performers to wear the safety means to protect themselves during performance time. They are covered with the plates which are placed on their chests; wear a mask to protect the head and also cover their ankles by wearing bells. The whole ambience during the performance of this dance form is very charming. The dancers wearing their colorful robes along with the local tribes create fascinating scenery.

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