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Keekali
and Bhangra
The
Keekali (Kikli) dance is a dance of young girls and is danced playfully in twos.
The girls hold hands crosswise and rotate fast on their toes, singing songs.
The
Bhangra is a male dance which originated in Punjab and is popular in the Kangra,
Himirpur and Una areas in a fairly wild form.
Rituals
such as Chandroli, Jhumakada and Googa swang also give one a glimpse into the
local dance forms.
The
tribal dances of the trans-Himalayan region are different in content and music.
The old tradition of both song and dance in these areas has been zealously
guarded against any urban influence. The districts of Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti
and Tehsils of Pangi and Bharmour of Chamba district constitute this zone. The
inhabitants in these areas are known as Kinnauras, Lahaulas, Spitians, Pangwals
and Gaddis. There are the Gujjars who are the wandering nomads. All these tribes
have their own distinct traditions of folk-dances, songs, dresses and ornaments.
Besides
the popular dances like Kayang, Bakayang and Banyangchu there are ritual dances
performed by Lamas on certain religious ceremonies or festive occasions. One
masked dance particularly features an important event in the history of
Himalayan Buddhism when Lamas successfully carried out a plan of executing a
cruel king Langdarma. A special occasion for masked dances is the celebration of
the birth of Padma Sambhava who is held in high esteem by the Buddhists of
Himalayas since it was he who carried the message of Buddhism to Tibet.
In
the sword dances of Kulu, men dancers dressed in the traditional tight white
trousers and tunics with bright bordered shawls and black plumed caps decorated
with blue primulas and yellow jasmine. The women dancers wrapped in woolen
shawls wearing their colourful headgear (Dhatu) enter the arena. Forming a
circle and holding a handkerchief in the right hand men and women wave it as
they move round and round in slight change and there are four steps taken with a
pause in the fifth and three more steps with the flat of the foot. Then
suddenly two or three dancers come into the centre of the circle and commence
dancing with brandishing swords. The dance is accompanied by dholak, Ran Singha,
Karnal and small Clarionets.
Nuala
Nuala
is a folk dance of the Chamba valley. In this a garland is placed upon a
pedestal as Shiva's garland and around it many dance dramas depicting scenes
from the life of Lord Shiva are enacted. Women possessed of evil spirits are
also brought to these gatherings and their antics also add to the general
mystery and awesomeness of the spectacle along with the heady fragrance of the
incense and the beating of the drums. The chief devotee, Chela, of Shiva dances
in a trance and answers questions that are put to him. He predicts dire changes
and natural calamities which sends shivers in the crowds and people vow to offer
special Puja if these are warded off by the gods.
Nati
Several
forms of Nati dance are prevalent in the Kulu, Sirmaur, Mandi, Mahasu and Chamba
areas. In Kulu this is known as Siraji Nati. It is like the
Kathak dance and embraces a number of dances like Dheeli, Dekhi, Feh, Bakhali,
Kahika, Dohari, Lahauli, Chambiyali, Banthada and Loodi. Rhythm is the main
feature of this dance. The instrument s that accompany this dance range from
Drums, Shehnai, Cymbals and Ranasinga (an instrument similar to a trombone). The
Shehnai played by the Hesis is the life of the Nati dance. It not only provides
a rhythm but also puts life into the entire performance.
The
Nati is not a dance for professional dancers but is open for participation by
all age groups. It is a slow-moving dance from Lasya variety and lasts through
three or four days and nights. The costume for this comprises of Chola (top
coat), Ghaghra (skirt), Gachi, Lachhi, a floral shawl and Boomani with
silver chains, tight churidar pyjamas, socks and shoes. The women wear heavy
armlets and silver and gold ornaments known as Tunki and Chanki around their
necks. The men and women hold an ornate fan in one hand and a
colourful
handkerchief in another and clap as they dance. Earlier the men and women danced
separately but now they dance in unison.
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