Folk dances of Uttarakhand
Along with geographical beauty, the state of Uttarakhand also boasts of diverse cultural diversity. The local people here have preserved their folk culture so gracefully that apart from the natural beauty of this hilly region, tourists start finding the simple life here interesting. The folk songs, folk singing styles, paintings or crafts and folk dances here are so rich and detailed that no amount of research can be done about it.
Folk culture reflects the basic concepts of a region. These are both the eyes and ears of that society. And the main bases of that folk culture are folk singing and folk dance. We have already talked about the folk singing of Uttarakhand which you can read in our old post, here we will talk about the folk dances of Uttarakhand
Types of folk dances of Uttarakhand
Folk dances also reflect the traditions and customs of a particular region, some of which are as follows.
1. Thadiya Dance:
Among the folk dances of Uttarakhand, first of all we talk about Thadiya dance. This dance is performed by married girls when they visit their maternal home for the first time after marriage. This is a dance performed at a fixed time from Basant Panchami to Equinox Sankranti (Vikhot). The word Thadiya is derived from Thaad, which means courtyard or square. That is, the dance performed in the square. This dance is considered a symbol of love, affection and cooperation. It is believed that the nights are long in the spring season, that is why the villagers come together and organize Thadiya dance for entertainment..
2. Saraun- Dance
This dance is a war song dance performed in the Garhwal region. Which is done with the sound of drum. In this dance, in the first phase, Dhol and Dholi perform in pairs. In the second stage, the dancers perform mime tricks with sword and shield to the beat of the drum. This dance is mainly prevalent in Tehri, Uttarkashi. Saraun dance is also called Paunna dance in Bhotia tribe. In Kumaon region it is called Chholiya dance and is specially performed in marriage ceremonies. This dance is also considered a symbol of war skills. There is also a belief that the first Thakuri king used to kidnap the daughter of another Thakuri king for marriage. This Saraun dance is based on the battle that took place during the same kidnapping.
ALSO, READ - History of Panwar Dynasty
3. Chaumphala Dance:
This is a dance based on makeup and is performed in groups. It is believed that this dance was performed by Mother Parvati to please Lord Shiva. In this, there is no use of any musical instrument but only the clapping of hands, tapping of feet, chimes of cymbals, melodious sounds of bangles and anklets provide intoxication. In this, the male dancer is called Chauphula and the female dancer is called Chauphulo. Chaunphala dance is a dance of Bihu and Garba category.
4. Mandaan Dance:
This dance is performed in worship of Gods and Goddesses and in marriages. Concentration is essential in this dance and most of the songs are related to various events of Mahabharata. Apart from this, songs related to folk tales are also sung. This folk dance of Uttarakhand is also called Kedar dance.
5. Harul Dance:
This dance is performed by the Jaunsari tribe whose subject matter is based on the life of Pandavas. An instrument called Ramtula is compulsorily played during the dance.
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6. Budiyat Dance:
This dance is a traditional dance performed in Jaunsari community at the time of birth anniversary, wedding and celebration.
7. Jhumailo Dance:
This dance is performed by newly married girls. Its feeling is related to nature and mother's house. This dance expresses the pain and love of the woman. In such a situation, the woman forgets her pain and dances with positive thinking with the rhythm of folk songs and music. Rhythmic folk dance is a wonderful combination of adornment and separation.
8. Chanchari Dance:
This dance is performed on moonlit nights in the month of Magh. In this the lead singer dances in the middle of the circle while playing the Hudki. In Kumaon region it is known as Jhoda dance. This is a decorative dance.
Also Read - History of Chand Dynasty, Who ruled in Kumaun Uttarakhand
9. Ranbhut Dance:
This dance is performed by the family members in honor of the martyrs and for the peace of their souls. This dance is also called Devta Ghirana. Pavada or Bhadau dance of Garhwal and Kumaon is also based on this theme. In which those who attain martyrdom are respected like gods.
10. Lota Dance:
In this, a dance is performed by placing a series of lotso on the head and lighting a fire in it.
11.Jhoda Dance:
This dance is a group dance performed in marriage ceremonies (fairs). There are two types of this dance. One Maktak Jhoda and Management Jhoda. In this dance, the characters of Gods and Goddesses and historical warriors are sung. Its main center is Bageshwar.
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12.Bagwal Dance:
In this dance, people divided into two groups throw stones at each other. It is also called Bhagwan dance.
13. Chholiya Dance:
This dance is performed in wedding ceremonies and religious events. This dance is performed with shield and sword. This dance is based on the Leelas of Nagaraja, Narasimha and Pandavas. It usually consists of 22 artists. In which there are 14 musicians and 8 dancers. This dance appears like a theatrical war and during the dance the artists also carry a triangular flag (Nisan) with them and their facial expression is fierce.
15. Ghughuti Dance:
A glimpse of love for nature is clearly visible in the folk dances of Uttarakhand and Ghughuti dance reflects the same love and the unbreakable relationship between nature and man. In Garhwal region, this dance is performed by small girls for entertainment.
17. Bhaila Dance:
This dance is performed on the day of Ekadashi Diwali (Igas) by tying a buffalo.
18: Sipaiya Dance:
This dance is filled with the spirit of patriotism. This is done to encourage the youth to join the army.
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