Naati dance is one of the prominent dance forms of the Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh state of India. It is a traditional folk dance of the local inhabitants that reflects the rich cultural tradition of the people of the region. Himachal Pradesh is said to be the home of several tribes who follow different customs and traditions. The Naati dance of the Kullu district is one such traditional folk art that confirms to the variant cultural life of the people of the state. The Naati dance is an integral part of any festive occasion and fair. The otherwise dull and boring life of the tribes of the region is infused with fresh energy and renewed vigour.
Performance of Naati Dance
The society of the tribal encourages all its members irrespective of age and gender to participate in the Naati dance. However, as the dance requires lots of energy it is usually performed by the young members. Interestingly in the earlier days, it was danced only by the men wearing swirling tunics, churidars, sashes and decorated caps for hours on end. Over the years, it has undergone modifications so that women too can participate in it. There are 13 different kinds of Naati dance. Among them, three naati dances are performed during special occasions namely Dhili, Pheti and Bashari.
The dance is performed in a group and the people of the Kullu district dance with great enthusiasm and zeal. As a part of the dance, the participants link their hands and move in step to different rhythms. They fiercely dance to the rhythmic melodious self composed songs. The songs are sung in the local dialects. The Naati dance helps the performers to relieve them of the strains and stress of daily mundane life. The colourful and attractive dance form fills the air with joy and excitement.
Musical Instruments of Naati Dance
Naati dance is usually performed to the accompaniment of various musical instruments which comprises of Shehnai, Dhol, Nagara, Karnal and Narsingha.
Costume of Naati Dance
The dancers generally clad themselves in very colourful and attractive apparels which are generally traditional. The female dancers wear Kurti (upper garment), Pattu (the main upper garment) and Sutban (a trouser like garment). They also wear a Thipu which is a square scarf tied over the head. They adorn themselves with traditional jewelleries like Gorkhadu (ear ornament), Long (nose ornament), Chandarhaar (long heavy necklace) and Kanganu or Mridri (bangles).
On the other hand, the costume of male participants consists of Chopla (upper garment), Patka (scarf), and Pajamas (trouser-like garment). Jewelleries like Topa Kalagi (woollen cap with one side rolled up) and Balay (ear rings) are mainly worn by them.
