The western coast of India hosts the vibrant state of Gujarat, known for its rich culture and vivid traditions. Since ancient times, Gujarat has been a hub of trade and culture. Today, it’s renowned for religious pilgrimages, temple visits, and iconic fairs and festivals. Folk dances here allow Gujaratis to express love, gratitude, and joy. With diverse regional influences, various dance forms thrive in different areas. Both men and women adorn themselves in vibrant traditional attire, dancing to local music played on indigenous instruments, fostering a harmonious atmosphere of unity.
Folk Dance Styles Of Gujarat
1. Garba Dance
Garba, closely associated with Gujarat, is a dance performed by Gujarati women during Navratri as part of Shakti-Puja. They wear the traditional, brightly colored Chaniya Choli attire. The dance accompanies tunes played on instruments like Damru, Tabla, Nagara, Murali, and Shehnai. A notable aspect is the three claps representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. The dance commences with the lighting of a Diya inside a perforated earthen pot, symbolizing the awakening of the mother goddess’s power. Dancing energetically around this lit pot with joy, enthusiasm, and purity of heart is believed to please the mother goddess.
2. Raas Dance
Raas, deriving its name from the Sanskrit term “rasa” linked to emotions, is a socio-religious folk dance entrenched in ancient Gujarat. Initially performed to honor goddess Durga, women and men engage in this dance, holding two sticks in each hand. Participants wear traditional Gujarati Chaniya Choli, often embellished with intricate mirror work. Raas symbolizes a symbolic combat between Durga Maa and the demon Mahishasura, where the Dandiya sticks represent swords. This dance usually follows the Garba performance, continuing the celebratory spirit.
3. Tippani Dance
Tippani, also known as Matla Dance or Tippani Nritya originated in the Chorwad and Veraval regions of Saurashtra in Gujarat. Primarily performed by women, this dance originated among female laborers seeking relief from daily chores while their men were away. The main prop used is a 175 cm long stick, typically made of iron or wood, originally used for pressing lime during construction. Women synchronize their dance movements to folk songs, turning the seemingly mundane task of pressing limes into captivating rhythmic steps. This dance reflects the spirit and creativity of the people of Gujarat.
4. Dang Nritya
Dang Nritya, native to Gujarat’s Dang district, is a tribal dance performed by the local tribal community. This distinctive dance bears influences from Maharashtrian and Dravidian cultures. Both men and women partake in this dance, forming a long chain by joining hands and dancing serpentinely. The dance movements are swift, creating intriguing choreographic patterns. Each step in the dance, known as “Chala,” comprises around 27 different variations. Aerobics and forming human pyramids are integral parts of Dangi Nritya. Accompanied by musical instruments like Dhol and Pawri, this dance form stands out as one of Gujarat’s most unique cultural expressions.
5. The Hudo Dance
The Hudo Dance, originating from Gujarat’s Bharwad shepherd community, finds its roots in sheep fights. As the local Gujarati communities rely on livestock for their livelihood, their festivals, and art forms often draw inspiration from these animals. The dance’s steps reflect the movement of two sheep butting heads. Dancers rhythmically clap their hands to the music produced by local instruments like Dhol, Dholak, Flute, and Manjira.
6. Matukadi Dance
Gujarati dance forms like Matukadi exemplify the incredible strength, dedication, and cultural preservation efforts. Originating from the Rabari and Bharwad communities, Matukadi is traditionally performed by women, showcasing their exceptional core strength and balancing abilities. In this dance, women rotate brass pots between their hands, simultaneously creating music with their ring fingers while gracefully moving their feet to the rhythm.
7. Siddi Dhammal Dance
The Siddi community, among the largest tribal groups in Gujarat, traces its ancestry to enslaved individuals, sailors, and servants from East Africa who chose to settle in Gujarat in the 12th century. Their dance and music forms are exceptionally unique. One such dance, locally known as Mashira Nritya, reflects the Siddis’ passion for hunting. This dance was traditionally performed after a successful hunt.
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