Uttarakhand is rich in culture and heritage. Along with different languages, distinctive lifestyle, food habits, traditional attires, mythological legends, and music, folk dances also contribute to the rich heritage of the ethnic state Uttarakhand. Folk dances are an integral part of a regional culture which varies state wise. Folk dances depict the story of the related land and reveal a lot about the period when they originated. Folk dances are performed at various occasions like in wedding ceremonies, at fares, on festivals. These are a medium to express joy and sometimes to please God.Today we are making you aware of the folk dance forms of Garhwal region.
Langvir Nritya
Langvir Nritya is a famous dance form of Uttarakhand in Tehri Garhwal district. It is the acrobatic dance form and is usually performed by male folklore. In this dance form, a long bamboo pole is fixed at one place and male dancer balances himself on his stomach upon bamboo tree after reaching on the top and performs various acrobatic moves with his hands and feets. The musicians play dhol and Damau under the pole and create an energetic atmosphere.
Barada Nati
In Dehradun district, Bardati Nati is a popular folk dance in Chakrata tehsil in Garhwal region of Uttrakhand. This dance is performed at various festivals and social Functions. Boys and girls take part in this dance form in typical beautiful traditional costumes. People across the Garhwal district take part in this dance form as this dance represents the vivacity and purity of life. Barada Nati is channeled with free spirits. This dance form inspires people to celebrate their life and encourages people to relax from the problems and happenings of lives. No, this dance form doesn’t help them in dealing the life issues but inspires them to look at the brighter side which includes celebrations like marriage and birth.
Pandava Nritya
Popular in Chamoli district and Pauri Garhwal, Pandava Nritya as the name defines relates to the time of Great Pandava king. It is directly related to Mahabharata and this dance form is enacted by people who play the role of Draupadi and Pandavas and show different incident from the mythological book. This dance form is the most popular dance form of Garhwal district and mainly performed during Deepawali and Dusshera. The dance is started by pleasing Lord by lighting a lamp which is essential to be reserved burning till the end of the dance. The fusion of music, folk song with dancing act makes it a famous folk dance of Uttarakhand state.