Introduction
Santhali dance is a popular folk dance practiced by Santhal tribes in Jharkhand. The Santhals are an Austroasiatic-speaking Munda ethnic group native to the Indian subcontinent. They form the largest tribal community in the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal and also have significant populations in Odisha, Bihar, Assam, and Tripura. Their native language is Santali, which serves as a vital marker of their cultural identity. Santhali dance form has attained popularity all across India and also has been featured in many reputed Bengali cinemas like ‘Agantuk’ by Satyajit Ray.
Performance of Santhali Dance
Santhali dance is performed in group. It is very similar to the bamboo folk dance of Assam and Mizoram. Santhals are devotees of ‘Thakurji,’ which they believe, is the creator of this world. They move rhythmically to the pulse of music, celebrating the splendor of nature, conveying meaningful messages like one’s feelings, some story, or social issues while offering prayers to the presiding deity of their tribe.
Santhal dance is generally performed by both men and women. The dancers form a circle or semi-circle. The male and female dancers dance in separate rows in sequence with their arms interlocked. While dancing they make various cluster formations. The dance is accompanied by various instruments such as flutes, drums, pipes and cymbals. The musicians who play these instruments make the environment of the festival more charming and rejoicing. Moreover, the singers also put the right chord with the rhythm.
Santhali dance is primarily performed on special occasions, especially during spring festival, accompanied by a traditional song. It often takes place within forested areas and depicts a kind of dedication to the forest Gods and Goddesses. It is also practiced to welcome guests.
Costumes of Santhali Dance
The male dancers wear dhoti and turban, and decorate their bodies with branches of trees, leaves and flowers. Since the Santhals are believed to be close to nature, they use natural decors such as leaves, branches and flowers to do their make-up and design their clothes. Women dancers usually wear white or yellow sarees with red borders and adorn their hair with wild flowers. The length of the saree is about three inches above the heel. The colourful costumes worn by the tribal people happen to be the main attraction of the Santhali dance in Jharkhand.
Santhali Dance and Tourism
Thousands of people visit Jharkhand to catch a glance of this Santhali dance. The numbers of audience are more during the spring season, since during this time, the Santhals celebrate the spring festival where they perform the folk dance.
Santhal dance of Jharkhand and west Bengal are very popular among the tourists. Researchers are working on this form of dance to derive information about their origin, significance and other related aspects.
