List of Folk Dance of Chhattisgarh

Hello Kids! Ready for some fun, beautiful world of dance? Today, we will explore the fantastic fairyland of folk dances of Chhattisgarh, the state lying in central India, which is home to age-old traditions and the cultural heritage of the country. These dances not only mesmerize you with beauty but also tell wonderful stories and grand occasions in the life of the common people of Chhattisgarh. Wear your imaginary dancing shoes and come along with me on this exciting journey through some of the most famous folk dances of Chhattisgarh or just pick a few and imagine yourself as a performer.

What is Folk Dance?

Let us first know what is meant by folk dance. Folk dance is the traditional dance form done by folk in a particular community. It, however, draws a clear line from the professional dance programs in that the folk dances are performed almost entirely for fun and to mark major occasions, festivals, or rituals. They mostly represent the culture and way of living of those people. In Chhattisgarh, folk dances are performed enthusiastically and happen to be an integral part of festivals and social functions. All these make these dances full of vibrancy, and a pure delight to watch, and to be performed on stage!

List of Chhatisgarh Folk Dance

1. Pandavani

Let's begin with one of the most incredible folk dances of Chhattisgarh, Pandavani. Just imagine a dance that narrates some of the most gripping tales ever written by mankind in ancient Indian epics. Pandavani is not just dance; it's the concept of performance art by way of storytelling. The lead performer, a woman, is narrating tales from the epic Mahabharata in dance and dramatic gestures. She expresses the sentiments and the activities in her body and face. A musical background is created with folk instruments like the dholak which is a kind of drum. Mandar which is also a drum. In reality, listening to a Pandavani is like watching an actual drama happening in front of your eyes on a stage with the performer making the ancient heroes and their deeds spring to life.

2. Raut Nacha

The colorful Raut Nacha follows. This dance is to honor and praise Lord Krishna and this dance takes place during the Gaur festival. The dancers are in colorful and bright costumes and enact scenes of cowherd displays by imitation of cow movements. The dance is full of joy and vigor, the forming of circles and lines with the dance used to create a beautiful pattern in the dance form. The traditional drums used are like the dhol, tuntuni, which is a small bell that creates the rhythm to tap one's steps in. Raut Nacha presents one of the brilliant examples of how through dances, mythology gets to be celebrated and synthesized.

3. Karma

Now let's talk about the Karma dance. Performed on the occasion of the Karma festival, this famous folk dance of Chhattisgarh is celebrated in honor of the Karma tree, which the people consider to be a good luck charm and a source of prosperity. A group of dancers moves around the Karma tree with hands joined and arms raised while dancing to a similar rhythm. Traditional musical instruments such as the flute and dholak are also played. Karma is a festive dance full of rhythm and cheer, denoting the respect for nature that the community has and the belief they have in its blessings.

4. Saila

It is an exclusive kind of dancing style executed by Chhattisgarh tribes, more particularly, on the occasion of harvest festivals and such other merry makings around the state. This dance is characterized by rhythmic movements as well as by jumps. Usually, this dance form is carried out with native bamboo and other natural materials' costumes on the body of the dancers. This is group dancing and so an excellent coordinated pattern emerges out of the dance. The main characteristics of the lively atmosphere of dance are enhanced by the tune of madal (drum) and the sound of the koli (flute).It is the joy of nature itself, or for that matter the agriculture cycle—every movement speaks of rejoicing at the success of the harvest.

5. Panthi

It is a dynamic culture in which the Satnami community of Chhattisgarh participates in religious ceremonies and festivals. The dance is about very quick moves and active footwork. Dancing is done holding hands in circular chains, moving with the rhythm under beats of dhol and nagada. Panthi dance articulates a feeling of faith and community spirit and picks up the cultural heritage in the best sequence known by the people of the Satnami community.

6. Nachai

Nachai is a very energetic and colorful folk dance of Chhattisgarh. This dance exudes the joy of the culture and custom of the local people. This dance is performed during festivals and such special occasions and symbolizes joy and unity among people. They dance in colorful and resplendent traditional dresses, with the electrifying beat of the drums and other musical instruments, either circular or in lines, with instances of swaying and stepping to the rhythm in a pattern. Nachai is full of vigor in every movement, reflecting the strong relationship between people and land. Nachai is not only a dance; it's one way for Chhattisgarh people to revel in their culture, share friendship with each other, and pass on traditions to future generations. It always feels great while watching or joining the dance.

7. Jhumar

The Baiga and other tribes of Chhattisgarh are known to perform Jhumar. It is also conducted during festivals and merry moments. Jhumar is a slow graceful dance form where the dancers form circles and move their feet to intricate steps. The folk music is played with folk instruments like dhol and sarangi, a stringed instrument. It celebrates Nature and the passing seasons. Most of the steps narrate stories; quite often, the folk forms bring out the merging of man with his surroundings. It is a beautiful, serene dance, amidst all the hustle and bustle, which tells a lot about the rapport between the people and their surroundings.

8. Lathmar

This is a playful, active dance performed during the festive period of Holi. The stick must be used as a performance of well-synchronized, fast, and between engagé mock fight-like fighting. The dance is done in groups by dancers moving and creating different patterns with their sticks while producing periodic beats at the same time. Traditional lyrics sung and accompanied by music from instruments in the background like the dholak and tuntuni take the festivity of Holi to a different level altogether. It is a jolly and glittering dance in which merrymaking and rejoicing are the characters for this dance.

9. Sanjhi

It is a balancing dance done by females during the festival of Navratri. Navratri is a festival, which is celebrated paying homage to Goddess Durga. This dance is done with a lot of balance and rhythm while enacting this, the individuals are adorned in colorful sarees with traditional jewelry. The Sanjhi dance is danced to the tunes of songs and musical instruments like dholak and shenai—a wind instrument. This dance is all about the act of womanhood and the display of love for their beloved; it gives a distinctive grace to the entire celebration of Navratri. One feels like enjoying the grace in a Snajhi dance.

10. Gendi

Finally, there is the Gendi dance, which is celebrated during Diwali. It basically consists of spinning movements in the performance, whereby there are performers who have spinning tops in their hands as they do so. Colorful costumes and upbeat music from instruments like the dhol and tuntuni make it a jolly and elated exercise. The dance represents the victory of light over darkness and how one can feel on top of the world during harvest time. It is a beautiful and energetic dance move that contributes to the whole Diwali celebration.

Conclusion

There you go, children! We have seen many joyful and colorful folk dances of Chhattisgarh. Every dance form, with a unique tale, rhythm, and style attached to it, reflects the rich cultural heritage that this vibrant state commands. Starting from the dramatic Pandavani to the playful Lathmar, each dance carries a special story and binds people with joyous festivity.

That way, the next time you stumble upon such a dance, you will know what an exemplary example it is. You may just feel like trying out these dances yourself or sharing with your family and friends what you have learned. Continue to explore and enjoy this beautiful world of dance. You never know, you might pick up the best folk dance of Chhattisgarh and become a tiny dancer!

FAQs

1. What is the saila dance of Chhattisgarh?

This Saila dance, done as a part of the harvesting festivals and celebrations, is an ancient folk dance of Chhattisgarh characterized by rhythmic movements and jumps.

2. What is the dance of Bilaspur?

The famous dance of Bilaspur is Raut Nacha.

3. What is the dance of Raipur?

Panthi is the Raipur form of dance.

4. What is the name of the dance of Shekhawati?

Ghoomar is the folk dance form of Shekhawati.

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