India; Unity in Diversity

The cultural richness of India is reflected in her numerous classical & folk dances. So many have asked me why dance is so important in the Indian culture? Why there are always dances and music in the Indian movies??

In India, dance expresses devotion, prayer, happiness, sorrow, stories.. the list goes on. Shown on the top left of the picture above is Natraj or the dancing Siva. Siva is one of the most prominent gods in Hindu religion and he is also pictured as the the dancer of creation, lord of joy and sorrow. 

Dances of India: Bharatanatyam & Kathakali

Bharatanatyam, originated in Tamil Nadu is one of the major classical dance forms in India. Kathakali is a theatre art form from Kerala.

Kathakali theatre shares many similarities with Japanese Kabuki. Both styles were created in the 17th Century, and both revolve around mythological stories and folk tales. The disciplined movement and dance that is so indicative of both forms, is enhanced by elaborate make-up, exceptional costumes and traditional music. All actors in both Kabuki and Kathakali are male, even when some characters are female. Attached is an Indian stamp showing both Kathakali & Kabuki. I have that stamp in my collection

I have put the slides of Odissi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi & Kathak with the names and brief explanation. Each dance form is unique in its origin and style.

These are some of the folk dances of the country. Dandiya is one dance which I love very much. It is simple and pleasing. Dandiya is performed in groups of pairs, with a pair of sticks in their hands. Ideally, two circles formed by men and women move in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions with two sticks called dandiyas held in their hands. Dandiya dances usually take place during Navaratri (nava-ratri = nine nights) festival and is popular in north India, especially Gujarat. My first experience with dandiya was while I was in Goa. After that I haven’t missed a chance to dance along the dandiya tunes.

Bihu dances performed by young boys and girls characterised by brisk stepping, flinging and flipping of hands and swaying of hips represents youthful passion, reproductive urge and enjoying life. Bihu dance comes from Assam.