Indian Folk Dances - Musical Tradition
Folk and tribal dances are performed for every possible occasion, to celebrate the arrival of seasons, birth of a child, a wedding and festivals. The dances are extremely simple with minimum of steps or movement. The dances burst with verve and vitality. Men and women perform some dances exclusively, while in some performances men and women dance together. On most occasions, the dancers sing themselves, while being accompanied by artists on the instruments. Each form of dance has a specific costume. Most costumes are flamboyant with extensive jewels. While there are numerous ancient folk and tribal dances, many are constantly being improved. The skill and the imagination of the dances influence the performance.Pongal Dance: This dance is performed during the three day festival preceding the harvest season. Although this dance was originated in North eastern states of India, it is now being adopted by rest of India.
Samayi Dance (Goa): A dance performed by men and women balancing the brass lamps on their heads.
Dandiya Raas (Gujarat): Dandiya Raas is a featured dance of Navaratri evenings in Western India. In Dandiya Raas, men and women dance in two circles, with sticks in their hands.
Ghoomer Dance (Rajasthan): This is a dance where the ladies move gently and gracefully in circles.
Chaari Dance (Rajasthan): A dance performed balancing pots on one’s head.
Lambadi Dance (Andhra Pradesh): This is a tribal dance performed by Banjaras depicting the day to day tasks of a farmer, like reaping, harvesting, planting, sowing etc.
Digaru Mishmi Buiya Dance (Arunachal Pradesh): This dance is performed with the formation of alternative line by men and women. While one of the dancers plays the drum, other plays a gong.
Gair Dance (Rajasthan): A holi dance performed only by men.
Gair Ghoomer (Rajasthan): Yet another Holi dance where both men and women dance together.
Bihu Dance (Assam): This dance is performed by women with graceful movements of hands and hips to the rhythmic tunes played by men.
Bangra Dance (Punjab): This graceful dance is performed by holding their arms high and shaking their shoulders and head.
