Essays

India is a land of varied cultures and traditions. The Indian culture is quite unique due to diversities in all spheres. Indian folk and tribal dances have added to the richness of Indian culture. They are product of different socio-economic set up and traditions. In India, there are festivals and celebrations virtually every day. These celebrations are accompanied by folk dances which are performed to express joy. Folk dances are performed for every possible occasion, to celebrate the arrival of seasons, birth of a child, a wedding and festivals. Though the Folk dances are extremely simple with minimum of steps or movement, they are full of energy and vitality. While some dances are performed separately by men and women, some dances are performed by men and women together. Each form of folk dance has a specific rhythm accompanied by a colourful costume with extensive jewels and designs. on most occasions, the dancers sing themselves, accompanied by artists with instruments.

In north india,, Dhumal, Hikat, Namagen, Hurka Baul, Bhangra and Dhamyal are some of the popular folk dances. Dhumal is a popular dance of Kashmir and is performed with long colourful robes and tall conical caps studded with beads and shells. The Hikat dance, performed by women, is popular in Himachal Pradesh. This dance is performed in pairs and the participants extend their arms to the front, holding each other's wrists. The dancers keep their bodies inclined back and make round of the same place. Kulu valley in Himachal Pradesh is also known for nation-a collective name for all dances for different occasions.  Namagen performed in Himachal Pradesh. Gaddis is the most prominent namagen performed wearing namgen costumes.

Jhumeila, the Chaufula of Garhwal and the Hurka Baul of Kumaon are .some of the seasonal folk dances of Uttaranchal. The Hurka Baul dance is performed during the cultivation of paddy and maize. While the   singer narrates the story of battles and heroic deeds, the performers enter from  two opposite sides and enact the stories in a series of crisp movements. The nii.il folk form two rows and move backwards in harmony, while responding to the tunes of the song and the rhythm of the players, The Chholiya dance of Kumaon is performed during marriages, in  which the male dancers, armed with swords and shields, dance  animatedly.

Bhangra though initially from Punjab, is one of the most popular and energetic dunces of India. It is performed by men folks and includes tricks.and athletic feats. In a Bhangra performance the drummer is surrounded by men dressed in lungis and turbans. Luddi is yet another folk dance of [lie Punjab, performed by men folk. Gidha is the dance performed by the women folk of Punjab in which a woman or a pair of women dance while the others surrounding her clap in rhythm. This dance also includes a step when women go round and round with feet planted at one place; jhoomer is a dance of graceful pace. This dance is also performed with dancing around a single drummer standing in the centre. Dhamyal or dhup is one of the most popular folk dances of Haryana in which a circular drum is played lightly by the male dancers.

Gaur, Muria, Saila, Karma and kaksar popular folk dances of central India. Gaur dance is popular in the South Bastar region of madhya Pradesh. The Muria trihals ol North Bastar area are trained in types of their community dances. Her endanna dance is performed ? The Muria boys and girls during marriages. While their Hulki dance s the most beautiful of all the dances, the Karsana dance is performed 'or fun and enjoyment. Kaksar dance is popular among the Abhujmaria of bastar. It is a group dance performed by young boys and girls which presents a unique opportunity for them to choose their life partners.

Saila is a stick-dance performed by the young boys. It is popular among the people of Sarguja, Chhindwara and Betui districts of chhattisharh. It is also known as Danda Nach or Dandar Pate and 1niiiprises over half a dozen varieties. The Karma dance is very popular .inning the Gonds and the Baigas of Chhattisgarh and the Oraons of madhya Pradesh. The Karma dance has several variants and the songs associated with them differ with each pattern.

Chhau, Brita, Dalkhai and Goti Puas are popular folk dances of east India. Chhau is a popular folk dance of Bihar in which masks form an important feature. The Chhau dance performe by men and boys is full of energy and strength. All the Chhau performers hold swords and shields while performing. Brita dance is one of the most popular folk dances of Bengal, usually performed by the barren women to invoke the blessings of the Gods so that their wishes are fulfilled. Kali Naach is yet another popular folk dance of the Bengal region. It is performed wearing a mask, purified by mantras and dancing to the accompaniment of a sword.

Dalkhai is a popular folk dance among the tribal women folks of sambalpur in Orissa. In this dance the men usually play the musical instruments. Chaiti Ghora is a dummy horse version of the Dalkhai dance and is popular in the fishing communities. The performers of this dance    are generally men. Goti Pua is yet another popular folk dance of orissa performed by boys. Usually a Goti Pua performance is ably supported by a set of three musicians, who play the pakhawaj, cymbals .Hid harmonium.

Bihu is a popular folk dance of Assam in which young men and girls perform to the accompaniment of drums and pipes. Akhu and Khamba Lim are popular Naga folk dances. Hajgiri is a famous folk il.mce of Tripura performed by young girls who display a series of balancing skills and instruments of their kind. 'Nongkrem' is an important folkdance of Meghalaya. Dhol Cholom, a drum dance is our of the dances performed during Holi in Manipur. The exciting Thing dance of Manipur is performed by young men holding swords and shields.

Padayani, Kummi, Kolattam, Perini and Thapetta Gullu are popular folk dances of south India. Padayani or Paddeni is one of the most colourful and popular dances of Southern Kerala. This dance involves a series of divine and semi divine imitation, with dancers wearing huge mask or a chest piece. Kummi is a popular folk dance of Tamil Nadu and is performed by tribal women forming circles and clapping in rhythmic way. Kollattam or the stick dance another popular dance of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The Perini Thandavam is a male dance of the warriors, popular in some parts of Andhra Pradesh. In the Thapetta Gullu dance of Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh,   the

dancers use drums hanging around their necks and wear tinkling bells around their waist.

While Dollu Kunitha is a popular drum dance of Kamataka, Lava is a colourful and energetic dance of the Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep. While Ghode Modni dance portrays the brave deeds of the Goan warriors, Tarangmel is an energetic and youthful dance accompanied by musical instruments like 'romut', 'dhol' and 'tasha'.

Dandiya, Tera Tali, Dindi and Kala, Garba and Koli are popular folk dances of west India. In Rajasthan, Dandiya is played wearing colourful costumes and with sticks in hands. The Ghumer, Raika and Jhoria are some dances performed by the Bhil tribals of the state. While the Gher dance is a favourite and popular dance of the Mina tribe, Valar is typical dance of the Garasias of Rajasthan. Tera Tali, another famous folk dance of Rajasthan, is performed by two or three women of the Kamar tribe in which dancers hold cymbals in their hands and strike them in a rhythmic manner.

Dindi and Kala are devotional dances of Maharashtra which depict the playful attitude of Lord Krishna. The Dhangari Gaja Dance is performed by Dhangars of Maharashtra to please their God for blessings. The dances of Koli tribes of Maharashtra incorporate all elements of these surroundings. It is performed by both men and women and in this dance the Kolin or fisherwoman makes advances to the Kolis or fishermen.

Garba is the leading dance of women in Gujarat. This dance is performed throughout nine nighls of Navaratri, an autumn festival. Women folk conic mil into the open and with perforated earthen pots holding lighted lumps poised on the head clap and dance in a circle, in honour of the Goddess amba. When men also dance by singing and clapping the dance, it is known as garbi. Tippani is performed by women labourers in parts of saurashrta Gujarat.