![]() Ghumura Dance: This is the most popular folk dance of Odisha. It has been originated from the Kalahandi district of the state. Many researchers claim that this dance form has some similarities to many other Indian classical dances due to the ‘mudras’ and the form of the dance, whereas others claim that Ghumura resembles a war dance of ancient India which was performed by Ravana in the epic Ramayana. Ghumura was earlier used as a Darbari dance in Kalahandi state during war times. The typical mixed sound that comes out of the musical instruments like Ghumura, Nishan, Dhol, Taal, Madal etc. and the expressions and movements of the artists make this dance to be a ‘Heroic Dance’. The dance is associated with social entertainment, relaxation, love, devotion and friendly brotherhood among all class in present days. But traditionally it is associated with Nuakhai and Dasahara celebrations in Kalahandi and large parts of South Western Odisha. ![]() The entire performance of the Pala is to evoke the deity of Satyapir, intended for the well being of the people. It is a group performance consisting of five or six persons and is a very exciting play to watch. Here, the 'Mridanga' and the Cymbals are used as the accompaniment to the music; the instruments player is called ‘Bayak’. Singers in chorus help the chief singer, known as 'Gayaka', to sing the songs and explain the meaning of various references from the play, to the audience. There are two types of Pala- Baithaki (sitting) and Thia (standing). Daskathia: 'Daskathia' folk dance of Odisha has originated from the Ganjam District. As, it got wide popularity; it spread to all other parts of Odisha as well. The word 'Dasa' means a devotee and 'Katha' refers to wooden pieces arranged in tune for the prayer of the devotee. The dance moves of this form are of light nature. Daskathia performance mainly revolves around the dramatic acting of the Gayak and the Palia helps to visualize the historical and mythical scenes of the poetry. Kathia is the only musical instrument that is used during the performance. The Kathia is a pair of small sticks that are held by the performers in between their fingers. ![]() Chhau Nach: This folk dance of Odisha is originated and performed in the Mayurbhanj District and also in Nilagiri of Baleswar district. It has its base in the martial arts tradition. The dance is a stylized mock battle in which two groups of dancers armed with swords and shields, alternatively attack and defend themselves with vigorous movements and elegant stances. Music of this dance is notable with its rhythmic complexities and vigorous percussion. The musical instruments include 'Mahuri' - a double reeded instrument, 'Dhola' - a barrel shaped two-sided drum, 'Dhumsa' - a hemispherical drum and 'Chadchadi' - a short cylindrical drum. Karma Nach: Karam or Karma literally means 'fate' in Kosli Odia language. This folk dance of Odisha is performed during the worship of the god or goddess of fate. It begins from Bhadra Shukla Ekadasi and continues for several days. This dance form has been originated from Sambalpur district of the state. Karma is mostly performed by schedule tribes in the districts of Balangir, Kalahandi, Sundargarh, Sambalpur and Mayurbhanj. ![]() Keisabadi: In Keisabadi folk dance of Odisha, only men can take part. This is also a Sambalpuri folk dance. Most of the dancers hold a stick two feet in length and they dance in different forms by striking the sticks according to the rhythms of the song they sing. The leader first starts to sings and then others follow him. The main theme of the song has been derived from the love story of Radha and Lord Krishna. Dhap Dance: This Sambalpuri folk dance of Odisha is mostly performed by the Kandha tribe of Kosal region. Both men and women participate in this dance. Men of one village dance with women of another village. Mostly unmarried boys and girls participate in this dance. Dhap dance is mainly performed during marriage ceremony and also for the sake of recreation. The name of the dance has been derived from the musical instrument Dhap, which accompanies this dance. The dancers hold the Dhap with their left hands and beat with their right as well as left hands. Goti Pua: In Goti Pua folk dance of Odisha boy dancers dress up like girls; they are the students of the ‘Akhadas’ or gymnasia. The Goti Pua dance is also known as Akhada Pilas as the dancers are mainly from the Akhada system. Apart from these dances, there are some other folk dances of Odisha which are Nacni, Chhiollai, Humobauli, Dauligit, Sajani, Chhata, Daika, Bhekani, Rasarkeli, Jaiphul, Maila Jada, Bayamana, Gunchikuta etc. (Last Updated on : 17-11-2018) |
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Folk Dance of Odisha