- This is not only synonymous with our culture but is also a source of happiness, excitement, and enthusiasm for human life; The tradition of dance in Chhattisgarh is eternal and infinite
- Tribal dance performances will be organized from 1 to 3 November in the International Tribal Dance Festival
International Tribal Dance Festival will be held between 1 and 3 November
Raipur (thestates.news) |The folk dance of Chhattisgarh is a beautiful glimpse of the state’s public life and an integral part of folk art. The folk dance, which is a symbol of free will and euphoria and is miles away from, anger, hatred, and pain, is an embellishment to our land. The folk dance of Chhattisgarh includes Sua, Karma, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Chandaini, Parab dance, Gedi Dance, Dorla, Mandiri Dance, Hulki Pata, Kaksar, Sarhul Shaila Gauravpata, Gaurav, Parthauni, Dussehra, etc. The folk dance of Chhattisgarh carries the life element of Chhattisgarh’s folk art. It is synonymous with our culture and with the happiness and enthusiasm of human life. It is a significant expression that reflects the feelings of Chhattisgarhi people on various social and religious occasions.
Sua Dance
It is the most popular folk dance form in Chhattisgarh. The beauty of Chhattisgarh’s rural life is naturally displayed in this dance. When Chhattisgarh’s staple crop, paddy, is about to ripen, the women and adolescent girls of the state begin to perform this dance with enthusiasm. This dance starts a few days before Diwali and concludes on the night of Diwali on the occasion of the Shiv Gauri marriage ceremony. In this dance, women gather near every house and start the dance by creating a circular herd while singing at the beats of clapping hands. The Sua Shiv and Gauri clay idols are placed in the basket which carries the paddy. While dancing, the women place the basket at the center of the circle, and dance, clap, and sing Sua songs as part of a group activity. In essence, the Sua dance is a dance of love that is expressed by the names of Lord Shiva and Gauri.
Panthi Dance
Panthi dance is the traditional dance form of the people of the Satnami caste residing in the state. On the Purnima of the Magh month, the people of the Satnami community establish Jaitkham and worship it. Then they form a circle around it while singing and dancing. The Panthi dance starts with the praise of God. Guru Ghasidas is the main character in most of these songs and these songs don’t shy away from expressing the ephemeral nature of human life while singing its praises. Many songs scale the heights of Nirgun Bhakti. The major musical instruments used in this dance performance are Mridanga and Jhanjh. The dance starts with a delayed speed. However, the rhythm accelerates at every moment and ends when the song is at its peak speed. The physical effort emanating from the copper-toned bodies of the dancers creates a surreal charm. Very few folk dances can achieve that effect while also expressing the transient nature of life through a song.Raut Dance
Right after Diwali, the Rauts organize a group dance. They visit the residence of the head of the village whose livestock they take care of, in a group accompanied by Sing Baja, and perform a dance there. For them, it is a big annual celebration. The local people are allowed to participate in the dance. The head of the village frees them from the responsibility of work for 10-20 days. During this time, they celebrate the festival of dance and song. On the days of Deothani and Punni Purnima, they tie Sohai on cows and recite Dohas while praying for the happiness and prosperity of their master. The distinctive costumes of the Rauts are an added attraction. The Raut Dance Competition held in Bilaspur has now garnered international fame as well.
Chandaini Dance
This is an important dance form based on the folk tales of Chhattisgarh’s rural regions. Chandaini, more famously known as Lorik Chanda, is basically a tale of love where the male character, dressed in a special costume, presents the Chandaini story in an extremely attractive manner while performing a spectacular dance. This performance keeps the audience enthralled throughout the entire night. In Chhattisgarh, Chndaini is famous in two forms: one, in the form of a folktale, and the other in the form of song and dance. Dholak and Timki are the main musical instruments used during the Chandaini dance.
The tribal population in Chhattisgarh comprises 31 percent of its total population. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel, the tribal culture of Chhattisgarh is gaining a new identity on the international level. In this regard, the National Tribal Dance Festival is being organized for the third time in the state. Under Chief Minister Mr. Baghel’s initiative, a very significant tradition has been started in Chhattisgarh in the form of the National Tribal Dance Festival. This endeavor is extremely beneficial not only for Chhattisgarh but also for the mutual exchange of art and culture between various tribal communities of the world.
