Folk Dance, Folk Art and Music of Uttarakhand

Folk Dance, Folk Art and Music of Uttarakhand

Folk Dance, Folk Art and Music of Uttarakhand : Uttarakhand, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is a land enriched with vibrant culture and traditions. The folk dances, arts, music and rituals of the state beautifully reflect the way of life of the local people. From energetic Chholiya dance to intricate wood carvings, Uttarakhand has a diverse heritage waiting to be explored. This article comprehensively covers various facets of the folk culture of Uttarakhand.

Folk Dances of Uttarakhand

The remote hilly terrain and vibrant culture of Uttarakhand has given rise to a variety of colorful and energetic folk dances. Some of the most popular folk dances of the state are:

Chholiya Dance

The Chholiya dance is one of the most popular folk dances of Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. Performed during festivals and special occasions, it is a very energetic dance form.

Key Features

• Originated in Johar valley of Uttarakhand
• Performed by men wearing long colorful kurtas and dhotis
• Accompanied by music from dhol and damoun
• Very swift dance movements involving jumps and skips
• Performed during festivals like Harela, Bhitauli, Fagun Purnima

Barada Nati

Barada Nati is a famous folk theater form from Uttarakhand. Highly entertaining, it involves singing, dancing, acting and story-telling.

Key Features

• Originated in Jaunsar-Bawar area of Uttarakhand
• Involves colorful costumes and musical instruments like dhol, damoun, turri, ransingha
• Themes are usually based on local legends and stories
• Traditionally performed during Holi festival

Jagar

Jagar is a ceremonial folk dance of Kumaon done to appease local deities and spirits. The dancers often fall into a trance during the performance.

Key Features

• ‘Jagar’ literally means “awakening”
• Performed during night to invoke spirits
• The dancer wears a long black coat, beads and bells
• Accompanied by music from instruments like daur, thali, bhankora and masakbhaja
• Dances vigorously often falling into a spell or trance

Pandav Nritya

Pandav Nritya is performed in Chamoli district and involves highly skilled and energetic dance moves.

Key features:

• Traditionally performed by Pandava clan
• Only men participate balancing a table on their head
• Accompanied by music from instruments like dhol, damoun, turri and ranasingha
• Display of weapon skills through swords, sticks and spears
• Athletic and acrobatic dance moves

Ramola

Ramola is a ritualistic dance drama from Uttarakhand traditionally performed by the nomadic Banjara tribe.

Key Features

• Performed during Vishu festival
• Involves worship of folk goddess Ramola
• Men and women both participate
• Depicts mythological legends through dance and music
• Costumes have intricate ethnic Banjara designs

Thali-Kukdi Nach

A lively folk dance performed during weddings and other occasions in Kumaon region.

Key Features

• Performed exclusively by women
• Women dance in a circle to the beats of a brass plate (thali)
• Swift movements with intricate steps
• Women wear traditional Kumaoni outfits
• Celebrates the joy of weddings and harvest festivals

Folk Art Forms of Uttarakhand

The unique culture and way of life of Uttarakhand is beautifully manifested through its vibrant folk art forms. Some of the most notable ones are:

Wood Carving

The craft of intricately carving designs and patterns on wood is highly developed in Uttarakhand. Some main features are:

Styles

The region is specifically known for temple wood carvings which depict gods and deities. Apart from that, other popular themes are flowers, animals, birds, objects of daily life etc.

Woods used

Deodar, Pine, Oak, Sheesham, Sandal wood etc.

Main centers

Chinyalisaur, Munsiari, Bageshwar, Almora, Ranikhet, Pithoragarh

Motifs

Intricate floral designs, lattice patterns, complex geometric patterns etc.

Products

Doors, windows, pillars, temple panels, wall hangings, furniture etc.

Stone Sculpting

Stone sculpting has been practiced in Uttarakhand since ancient times. Popular forms are:

Temple Architecture: Elaborate stone temples in Nagara style, common motifs are deities, dancers, musicians, flowers etc.

Stone Memorials: Intricate stone memorials called ‘Sati’ can be seen in Almora district

Ringal Art

A lesser known handicraft from Uttarakhand – Ringal art involves weaving colorful bamboo sticks into beautiful patterns and shapes. Main features:

• Originated in Chamoli district
• Ringal means bamboo sticks in local dialect
• Baskets, furniture, bags, hats, coasters etc created
• Cheap and ecofriendly art form

Black Pottery

The crafting of decorative and functional pottery items from black clay is unique to Uttarakhand.

Key Centers

Ranikhet, Almora, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh

Making Process

Clay hand molded into shapes and designs before glazing in black color.

Motifs

Geometric patterns, lines, dots etc.

Products

Vases, pots, diyas, decorative items etc.

Folk Music Forms

The folk music of Uttarakhand is as diverse and vibrant as its culture. Some prominent folk music forms are:

Basanti

A popular folk music genre performed during the spring festival of Basant Panchami.

Key Features

• Originated in Kumaon region
• Performed alternatively by two groups of singers
• Singing interspersed with playing of instruments like dhol and damoun
• Themes based on nature, love and spring season

Chhopati

A mesmerizing folk singing style performed by shepherd communities.

Key Features

• Originated from Uttarkashi district
• Involves two groups singing alternatively
• Themes revolve around mountains, meadows and nature
• Soothing rhythm from instruments like dhol, turri and bhankora

Jhumeila

A playful folk song and dance performed during festivals and weddings.

Key Features

• Performed mostly by women
• Swift dance movements performed in a circle
• Singing interspersed with clapping
• Celebrates festivals, seasons and relationships

Jagar

Jagar folk songs are sung during the spiritual Jagar dance to invoke and appease local folk deities.

Key Features

• Sung by Jagariya community
• Hypnotic singing praising gods and goddesses
• Accompanied by eerie music from daur, damoun, thali etc.
• Songs often sung in local Kumaoni language

Mangal

Traditionally sung during marriages and other auspicious occasions.

Key Features

• Mainly popular in western Kumaon
• Celebrates the joy of weddings, childbirth etc. through music
• Performed by women wearing ethnic outfits
• Music from manjiras and thalis accompany the singing

Conclusion to Folk Dance, Folk Art and Music of Uttarakhand

Folk Dance, Folk Art and Music of Uttarakhand : The folk culture of Uttarakhand beautifully captures the unique identity of the people living in the state through performing arts like energetic dances, enchanting music, vibrant handicrafts and elaborate rituals. Safeguarding this intangible heritage is critical for preserving the cultural fabric of the region. With growing modernization, conscious efforts must be made to keep the traditions of folk art alive by promoting cultural tourism. The youth should be encouraged to learn these art forms to carry forward this ancient legacy to the next generation.

FAQs on Folk Dance, Folk Art and Music of Uttarakhand :

What are the main folk dance forms of Uttarakhand?

Some of the most popular folk dances of Uttarakhand are Chholiya dance, Barada Nati, Jagar dance, Pandav Nritya, Ramola and Thali Kukdi Nach.

What folk music is Uttarakhand famous for?

Some prominent folk music forms of Uttarakhand are Basanti, Chhopati, Jhumeila, Jagar and Mangal.

Which handicrafts is Uttarakhand renowned for?

Uttarakhand is specifically known for its beautiful temple wood carvings. Other popular handicrafts are stone sculpting, ringal art using bamboo sticks and black pottery.

What unique rituals are part of Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage?

Some unique rituals of Uttarakhand are the hypnotic trance dance of Jagar performed to appease folk deities and spirits and the energetic masked dance drama of Ramola depicting mythological tales.