Folk Dances of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is a part of the Western Himalayan ranges starting from the Shivalik foothills to Greater Himalayas. This state was recently a part of the bigger state of the northern region Uttar Pradesh. Also known as Uttaranchal, it became the 27th Indian state with independent state assembly on 9th November 2000. Earlier it was known as Devbhoomi, the land of Gods, because of the innumerous holy sites. The regions of Uttarakhand find a mention in the epics of Mahabharata

The culture Uttarakhand is alive in the folk dances. The tribal communities in Uttarakhand perform seasonal dances such as Jhumeila, the Chaufula of Garhwal region and the Hurka Baul from Kumaon. They form a part of seasonal dances which are performed from `Basant Panchami` to `Sankranti` or `Baisakhi`. Jhumeila is sometimes mixed but is usually restricted to women, whereas the Chaufula is a spinning dance performed by all sections of the community, at night, in groups by men and women. These folk songs are composed in appreciation of nature during various occasions.

The Garhwal and Kumaon regions are especially famous for the folk dances of Uttarakhand. They represent various stories and acknowledge the people about their ancestral past.

Hurka Baul dance is performed during the cultivation of paddy and maize in the farms. On a fixed day, after performing the preliminary ritual, the dance is performed in different fields with different tunes. The dance is named according to the Hurka, which is the drum used for musical accompaniment in the performance of the dance and Baul is the song.

Pandav Nritya recites the ecstatic tale of five Pandava brothers of Mahabharata. It is performed mainly in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is a dance-drama performance that lasts for around 10 -12 days. It highlights the real story and deeds of the five Pandava brothers

The traditional tribe of Uttarakhand is known as Bhotiya dance. Men and women perform this dance highlighting the ancient culture and civilization of the Bhotiya community. It is like a death ritual performed by the community. According to traditional beliefs, the departed soul of the dead person remains in a goat or sheep. The Bhotiya dance liberates the departed soul from the animal.

Choliya dance is a Rajput dance form which is mainly performed during the marriage ceremonies. The dance is performed with sword and shield in pairs, the drummers are usually Harijans called Dholies, while the Turi and Ransing are played by Bairagis, Jogis or Gosains.

Jhora dance is mainly performed to ensure peace between communities. Both men and women enthusiastically participate in this dance. Jhora is performed along with the music of various instruments. It is performed at the coming of spring, at fairs, and also to celebrate weddings. The dancers dance in a circle by holding each other"s arms. The dance is a beautiful amalgamation of various steps.

Performed in the Vaishakha month according to the Hindu calendar, Mukhota dance worships God Bhumitayal. It is a dance form in which the participants wear traditional dresses and masks representing their deities and evil demons.

Langvir Nritya is a well-known dance that is spectacularly performed in Uttarakhand. A group of men gets up on a pole while balancing on their stomachs to perform this unique kind of dance.

Jhumeila Dance is a folk dance form from Uttarakhand. This form of dance is so well-known that visitors from all over the world flock to Uttarakhand to marvel at its beauty and cherish it.

Chhapeli is a type of traditional dance from Uttarakhand. Men and women performing this dance should be lovers who desire to strengthen their bonding, according to the indigenous tribe`s conventions, rituals, and customs. The dance is performed wearing vibrant attire while holding instruments.

Barada Nati is a type of folk dance performed by the inhabitants of Jaunsar Bhawar, which is situated in Uttarakhand`s Chakrata hill area. It is a form of dance drama performed by men and women.

Ramola is a popular dance form in the state and is mainly performed as worship to Lord Krishna. It is celebrated during the festival of Holi where people come together to celebrate and the festivity lasts for more than a month.

Thali, Jadda and Jhainta are some other folk dances of the state that are performed with equal enthusiasm. The Thali dance form is actually very graceful and is performed by the womenfolk. The Jadda and Jhainta are dance form where women and men whirl together with a gay abandon. The region is actually a kaleidoscope of folk dancing. The Kumaonis with their power of patience can continue dancing even after a hectic day at work. Dancing is an integral part of the Kumaoni people. It satisfies their social and emotional needs and helps to keep them alive and fresh. The Kumaonis prove the old adage. "The tribe which dances does not die."

Jagar is a particular dance form which falls in the spiritual category of worship. This is typically a regional dance form of the state. The performances are based on 50 Ballads on local gods, goddesses and spirits, ghosts and fairies, the most famous being the Gorilla, Bholanath and Ganganath. The instruments used are a big drum (Dhol), a smaller drum (Damua), Hurka and Thall.

This is a dance form which is quite similar to Jhora. It is a collective dance form of Kumaon which is danced by both female and male. Chancheri is danced in a semi circle in a very slow tempo but it follows the traditional group dance by unconfined joy. The Chancheri dance form is most famous in the Danpur Patti of Bageshwar District, lying north of the Pindari Glacier.