Tuesday 30 July 2013

Famous Folk & Classica Dances of Northern India

Indian folk dances are creation of different socio-economic set up and traditions. An integral part of the social environment, they are performed on different occasion, which might be the arrival of a new season, a particular festival, the birth of a child or even a wedding. Indian folk dances are full of energy and vitality and are performed to express joy.

Some of the folk dances in India are performed separately by men and women, while others have men and women dancing together. Mostly, the dancers sing themselves and are accompanied by artists with instruments.

A beautiful combination of mythological elements and narrative forms, the folk dances in North India are amazingly exquisite. There is a dance for almost every occasion. Some of the North India folk dances have a ritualistic nature and are performed during the harvest time. The Bhangra dance of Punjab is a dance, which is performed during the harvest time. Other such dances that mark the beginning of harvest seasons and cultivation are Hurka Baul in Uttar Pradesh and Dhamyal of Haryana.

Bhangra
One of the energetic and popular Indian Folk Dances is Bhangra. It is performed by males usually. Originating in the state of Punjab, the dance is quite popular during the Punjabi festival, Baisakhi. One of the captivating folk dances of Punjab, Bhangra includes athletic feats and interesting tricks.

Dumhal
Dumhal is a beautiful Kashmiri folk dance. It is performed with the help of colorful, long robes and tall conical caps that are studded with shells and beads. Songs provide company to the dancers of the Dumhal dance, wherein the dancers themselves sing the songs.One of the interesting features of this dance is that

Namagen
The autumnal hue in the state of Himachal Pradesh is celebrated in the month of September through the performance of the Namagen dance. The costumes in this particular dance form are generally woolen. Apart form this, the women also wear heavy silver ornaments,during the dance.

Hurka Baul
Some of the popular seasonal dances in Uttaranchal are Jhumeila, the Hurka Baul of Kumaon and the Chaunfla of Garhwal. Hurka Baul folk dance of Uttranchal is performed at the time of maize and paddy cultivation. On a specific day, post the preliminary ritual, Hurka Baul is performed in various fields, turn by turn.

Hikat
Hikat is a famous folk dance of Himachal Pradesh that is performed by the women in the region. It is executed in pairs wherein the dancers extend their arms to their front and also hold the wrists of each other. The bodies of the dancers are kept inclined towards the back.

Dhamyal and Lahoor
Dhamyal, also known as Duph, is a folk dance of Haryana. The dance is performed either by men alone or along with women as well. Duph means a circular drum that is played by the male dancers, lightly, during the dance. During the spring season in Haryana, its time for celebration,

Dandiya
This is a popular dance form in the magical land of Rajasthan and a well-known folk dance in India. In this particular Rajasthan folk dance, the dancers are seen forming group with slim, long sticks in every hand. The dancers dance in rhythm by striking these sticks to each other’s. It is a beautiful dance to watch, full of chants and energy. 

2 comments:

  1. THE PHOTO IS THE DANCE PHOTO OF SAMBALPUR KALAPARISHAD, SAMBALPUR, ODISHA, INDIA.GIRLS ARE PERFORMING SAMBALPURI FOLK DANCE CONTACT NO---+91 9861230333

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  2. dalkhai dance ---western odisha-------
    The Dalkhai dance is known as the most famous dance of western odisha. On the eighth day in the month of Ashwin the Unmarried & married girls of this area observes a whole day fasting for the betterment & well-being of their brothers. After worshiping Goddess Durga/ Gram Devi or Goddess Dalkhai, they start the dance at the centre of the village with the local musicians. The charming footsteps & the beautiful songs are the attraction of this folk dance. Instruments used in this dance is: Dhol, Nishan, Taasa, Jhanj & Muhuri.

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