Himachal has its own identity for its rich culture and music and dance. The music of Himachal Pradesh is synonymous with the various events and happenings in the day to day life of the people.
Musical instruments like Narsingha, Karnal, Flute, Ektara, Kindari, Jhanjh, Manjira, Chimta, Ghariyal, and Ghunghru reverberate to lend foot-tapping melody to the songs and dances. These instruments are supported by drums which vary in their design and sound. Some of them include Dhol, Dolki, Nagara, Doru and Hudak. Percussion instruments like Manjira, Ghanta, Thali and Kokatha Murchang add that distinct sound to any song
Folk Songs of Himachal Pradesh
Most of the Himachali songs are centred on the respect and gratitude for gods, the splendour of changing seasons and the warmth of love ballads. These melodic songs combine with the sublime dance forms and musical instruments at important festivals, rituals, fairs and small festivities which celebrate the mysteries of life. Natives living in the far off valleys sing these tunes that binds the community together in its isolation, especially in winters.
Laman
A popular song style that recites the beauty of falling in love. Laman, native to the Kullu valley, is a melody whose opening line rhymes with the second line that sets out the theme for the song. The end of the line is prolonged with syllables like Oa, Aa that form the note.
Jhoori Song
This is a love song has its roots embedded deep in the Mahasu and Sirmaur regions. Jhoori, meaning lover or beloved, is sung by both men and women, but only women dance to this song usually during gatherings. While singing Jhoori, each piece is sung in four lines, followed by the last syllable of which the first line is pronounced in a long-lasting fashion.
Samaskara Song
Samaskara folk songs reflect the vastness of the mountainous land and are sung at festivals, gatherings or moments of celebration. The singers (mostly women) need to be good in their ragas to sing these ear-pleasing melodies.
Jhanjhoti Song
Jhanjhoti is a classical song mostly sung by professional singers since it is based on ragas like Brindabani Sarang, Durga, Tilang and Desh. Popular songs based on ragas that are sung include the Phulmu-Ranjhu, which recites a tragic happening, Kunju-Chanchalo that reverbs a love conversation and the Raja-Gaddan, a song that is about wooing of Gaddan Nokhu by Raja Sansar Chand Katoch of Kangra.
Anchaliyan
These folk songs are more like ballads, sung with joy in the heart to celebrate auspicious occasions like Shivratri, Marriages. Anchaliyan or Anchali songs are accompanied by string puppets which add to the charm of the occasion.
Songs native to a particular region are in plenty and they give an insight into the livelihood of the natives.
Popular Dance Forms
Kayang
It is a famous dance form of Kinnaur. In it, men and women make a semi-circle and Bajko (instrumentalist) stands in the middle. An aged male in the group of men and an old woman in the group of women lead and follow the steps according to the tune fixed by the instrument. Each person holds a third person's hand. The leader of the group is half-bent on the ho-ho, the two men of the group sing folk songs, which are followed by the rest.
Chham Dance
Chham dance, also known as Devil Dance, is one of the most vivid and splendid dance forms of Himachal that is performed by a sect of red-robbed Buddhist monks at monasteries on special occasions and festivities. Dancers wrap in intimidating masks, headgear and costumes, embodying the evil spirits that bring natural disasters and diseases to mankind. The intimidating circular movements of the dancers sync with the drum beats, cymbals and long pipes to create a hypnotic atmosphere. According to the legend, the dance form is pious and is performed to exorcise evil spirits and demons, bringing harmony and peace to the desolate land of Lahaul; Spiti and Kinnaur.
Bakayand
This is another type of dance of Kinnaur in which the dancers form two or two rows in front of each other. The dancers of a row step back and dance in front of the front row, dancing lyrically. This sequence is repeated in turn. This dance is usually performed by women.
Banyangchu
This is the third type of dance of Kinnaur, performed by men. In this, steps are taken independently. The dancers dance in round circles around the bazars. The women sing songs. Other dances of Kinnaur are Panas, Champa, Chamik, Ravar, Dayang and Jogasan etc.
Jhamakada
Jhamakada is an eloquent dance form native to Kangra Valley. The group dance is performed only by women, usually at sacred ceremonies and during marriages.
Losar Shona Chuksam
Losar Shona Chuksam is a folk dance form native to Kinnaur district. This dance form has immense religious significance, who perform it during the Tibetan New Year that usually falls in April and May. Chuksam is mostly performed by the farmers as a tribute to agriculture and its significance in rural life. This dance is signified by the knee movement of the dancers which replicates the movement of farmers sowing seeds on their farms.
Nati
The Nati, a group dance of Mandi, Shimla, Kullu, Sirmaur, Kinnaur and Chamba in which hundreds of people take part, has become the most popular dance form of the state. Performed in open spaces, at temple courtyards, the dancers form a circle which allows both swaying to the tune and synchronized movement to step styles that can vary from valley to valley and region to region. Ample diversity of local cultures is seen in the dance styles of Nati performances. Both men and women participate in a Nati, mostly in separate groupings.
Dancers swathe in ethnic attires groove to the beats of musical instruments like dhol, nagara and narsingha. In this dance form, people twirl their bodies in slow swaying movements.
Birus
It is a famous folk dance of the upper part of Shimla and the eastern part of Sirmour. This dance is usually performed by segments during fairs. Khand is a popular group of Khashs. When they go to a fair, they gather and dance along the way. They have swords, dungarees, lathi khukri or handkerchiefs in their hands. Dhol and Ransinga play together. The dancers at night carry torches in their hands while performing this dance. When they arrive at the fair, they get separated by dancing for a while. In the evening, come back on the dance again.
Burah
It is a famous folk dance performed at Sirmaur which is performed collectively by a group of 10-15 men during the time of Diwali or other festivities. 4-5 men play the hooki (musical instrument) and dance the rest of the dangars singing songs in their hands. These songs describe the heroic gathas, of which the songs of Siddha and his stronghold are more popular. Rasa and Krasa are other famous folk dances of Sirmour, which resemble the Nati.
Lahauli Dance
Another dance form that’s native to Lahaul is the Lahauli dance. In this dance form, the native dancers sway in circles, taking big steps with their hands interlocked. Their bodies are adorned with beautiful gowns featuring embroidered borders. The beautiful presentation is accompanied by the beats of instruments like Daman and Surna. Shehni is a dance form in which both men and women participate, In Ghure, there is no arm linking. Garphi is the oldest form of Lahauli dance; movement is neither regular nor arranged.
Thoda
Thoda from the hinterlands of Himachal Pradesh is a dance form that originated from the martial arts. Also known as the dance of archery, Thoda is performed by two teams, one who are descendants of Kauravas and the other of Pandavas. The two opposing sides make continuous attempts to attack each other and defend themselves at the same time in this dynamic presentation. They use arrows and bows swiftly and skilfully to create an illusion of real battle.
Dandras and Dangi
The Dandras and Dangi are two dance forms native to the Gaddis of Chamba. The Dandras is a smooth dance style where Gaddi dancers lower and then raise their legs while moving in a circular motion. Usually, the natives perform it to the rhythm of Dhamal and Lahauli Drums as the dancers utter the words Jey Jey and Shee Shee.
Dangi on the other hand is usually performed by the Gaddi women who immaculately dance in lines and semi-circular motion, joining hands and then turning away in a graceful manner. Dangi combined with the love ballads of Sunni and Bhukhu creates an atmosphere of joy and happiness which makes everyone tap their feet.
Some other popular dances are Rakshasa (demon), , the Jataru Kayang, Chohara, Shand and Shabu, Lang-dar-ma, Jhanjhar, Jhoor, Gi and Rasa which display the cultural diversity of the land.
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