uttarakhand dance cultural

Uttarakhand, a beautiful state in northern India, is rich in folk dances that reflect the region's vibrant culture. The dances are often performed during festivals, celebrations, or rituals and are usually accompanied by traditional music. Here are some tips if you're looking to learn or perform Uttarakhand dances:

1. Understand the Dance FormsCultural Significance

• Langvir Nritya: This is a traditional dance form from the Garhwal region. The dancers perform vigorous movements in a circle with their arms raised high and legs moving rhythmically.
• Chholiya Dance: A traditional warrior dance, often performed with swords, involving strong, bold steps.
• Jhumaila Dance: Performed by both men and women in a circle, it symbolizes the joy of a community.
• Kedarkantha Dance: A celebratory dance done during festivals, focusing on graceful movements and footwork.

2. Master the Footwork

• Rhythmic Foot Movements: Many of the dances feature intricate footwork. Whether it's a vigorous stamping of feet in the Langvir Nritya or light, graceful steps in Jhumaila, make sure to practice and master the timing.
• Positioning: Keep your legs and feet in the correct position. This includes keeping your knees slightly bent for stability and making sure your weight shifts smoothly.

3. Use of Hands and Arms

• Uttarakhand dances often involve expressive hand gestures that convey emotions and meanings. For example, in the Langvir Nritya, arms are raised and moved in sweeping, circular motions.
• Flowing Movements: Try to make sure your arms follow the flow of your body, whether they're part of a gentle, graceful movement or strong, bold poses.

4. Incorporate Traditional Music

• Uttarakhand’s folk dances are performed to the rhythm of traditional instruments like the dhol, damau, and sitar. Listening to this music will help you sync your movements with the beats.
• Timing: Make sure your movements match the tempo of the music. Uttarakhand dances often follow a steady, repetitive rhythm, so feel the music and keep the flow.

5. Cultural Significance

• Expression: Uttarakhand dances often reflect nature, religious themes, and daily life, so make sure to express joy, reverence, or energy as the context demands.
• Costumes: Wear traditional costumes such as ghagra (skirt) for women and kurta with a headgear for men. The costume adds authenticity to the performance.

6. Practice Group Synchronization

• Most of Uttarakhand’s dances are performed in groups, where dancers move in harmony. Synchronization is key, so practice your steps with others to ensure everyone is in sync.

7. Perform with Enthusiasm

• Uttarakhand dances are meant to be lively and full of energy. Don’t be afraid to show excitement and enthusiasm during your performance. The energy you bring will reflect the cultural spirit of the dance.

types of uttarakhand dance culture

Pandav Nritya

The Pandava Nritya tells the tale of the five heroes of Hindu mythology, the Pandava brothers of Mahabharata, from start to end. Through this ecstatic dance, the various stages of their life are portrayed, performed on the drum beats. It is a 10 - 12 days dance-drama celebration performed between is November to February every year. It is pandavas enter the body of performing

 artists during the stage performance. On the last day of Pandava Nritya, a grand feast is organised for the villagers.Pandav Nritya

Bhotia Dance

The Bhotiyas are an ancient tribe of Uttarakhand, and the namesake dance is performed by them is closely linked to their death rituals. It is a common belief among the Bhotiyas that the soul of the dead lives in the body of a sheep or goat after the human body dies. By performing the Bhotiya dance, the soul of the dead can be liberated from the animal’s body. Call it the dance of the dead!

Cholia Dance

Choliya dance is the sword dance, meant to depict the martial art traditions of the Kumaoni tribe. This dance form is as old as a thousand years, and it is performed during the local Rajput weddings. The Choliya dancers are equipped with swords and shields, regional brass instruments including Turi and Ransing, and percussion instruments like dhol and damaru etc.The dancers dress like the Kumaon warriors and engage in mock sword fights with duly synchronised twists and turns of the body.

Jhora Dance

Jhora dance is a springtime celebration performed by the local people by moving around in circles. It is a highly popular dance in the Kumaon Himalayas. The USP of this dance is that it aims to break caste barriers, thus allowing both higher and lower caste people to perform it together. Besides springtime, this dance is also performed during weddings and local fairs.

Mukhota Dance

It is another interesting dance performed at a fair organised in the month of Vaishakha. The fair starts from Vaishakha Sankranti (the day when the Sun enters a new sign) and the worship of Bhumiyal Devta. People offer ground rice preparations every day during this fest. Participants wear traditional clothing and masks that are made to resemble various deities and demons.