In recent news, the city of Raipur in Chhattisgarh hosted the 3rd Edition of the National Tribal Dance Festival. This grand event was part of the state’s foundation day celebrations and saw participation from artists worldwide. The festival, which is one of Chhattisgarh’s most significant events, welcomed nearly 1,500 dancers from India and international countries like Mozambique, Mongolia, Tonga, Russia, Indonesia, Maldives, Serbia, New Zealand, and Egypt.
Background of the National Tribal Dance Festival
The National Tribal Dance Festival plays a vital role in celebrating the diverse tribal communities and their rich cultures not only from India but from around the globe. The Tourism and Culture Department of Chhattisgarh organises this festival, which serves as a unifying platform for tribal communities. Furthermore, it provides an educational opportunity for all to learn more about these cultures.
The inaugural edition of this festival took place in 2019, followed by the second in 2021.
Understanding Indian Folk and Tribal Dances
Indian folk and tribal dances are simple yet expressive dance forms performed to express joy and happiness. They are integral to various community gatherings such as the arrival of seasons, the birth of a child, weddings, and other festivals. Some dances are specific to either men or women, while others involve both genders dancing together.
Major Folk and Tribal Dance Forms in India
Each State in India has unique folk and tribal dance forms, reflective of its cultural diversity. For instance, Assam has Bagurumba and Bihu, Arunachal Pradesh is known for Bardo Chham, and Chhattisgarh celebrates Raut Nacha. Goa’s traditional dance is Fugdi, and Gujarat is famous for Dandiya Raas and Garba.
Himachal Pradesh showcases Nati, and Haryana’s folk form is Ras Leela. The Dumhal dance hails from Jammu and Kashmir, while Kerala boasts of a variety like Chakyar Koothu, Duffmuttu, Margamkali, Oppana, Padyani, Theyyam, and Thirayattam.
Karnataka’s Hulivesha and Pata Kunitha, Madhya Pradesh’s Grida and Maanch, Nagaland’s Chang Lo, Mizoram’s Cheraw, Maharashtra’s Lavani and Parvi Nach, Punjab’s Bhangra and Giddha, and Odisha’s Chhau and Goti Pua are some other major Indian folk dances.
Puducherry has its Garadi, Rajasthan its Ghoomar, Kalbelia, and Kachchhi Ghodi, Tamil Nadu its Parai Attam and Kaaragattam, Tripura its Hojagiri, Uttar Pradesh its Mayur Nritya and Charukala, West Bengal its Gambhira and Alkap, and Sikkim its Singhi Chaam. These dance forms are a testament to India’s cultural richness and diversity.