FOLK
DANCES
KULLU NATI
It is the most popular and famous dance of Kullu
performed at festivals and fairs. The procession is always accompanied by dance and music.
The dancers attire themselves in the traditional dress. The music accompaniment is given
by Narsingha, Karnal, Shehnai, Dhol and Nagara.
THODA
The dance reminds us of the ancient days when men,
before going to battle, performed some rituals by dancing. Thoda is a dance of archery.
The dancers handle the bow and arrows in such a swift and skillful manner that it gives
the illusion of a real battle.
DANDRAS
It is the male dance of the Gaddis-the shepherds of
Bharmaur in Chamba district. The dance, initially, used to be performed with small sticks.
The dance is usually performed at Jatras - the dance is usually performed at Jatras-the
fairs and may last for long hours.
GHUREHI
The dance is performed exclusively by the women of
Chamba on the occasion of the Jatras.
SHIVA BADAR NATI
The folk dance is from the upper hills of the Mandi
region. Men and women perform it together in the fairs and festivals.
LAHAULI DANCE
The Lahauli Dance seems to have more affinity with
the Ladakhi dances than with the Himachali ones. The dance is performed on Surna and
Damman, the most essential music instruments of Ladakh. But the songs and ceremonial
movements in the dance are specially Lahauli. The dance is performed with simple, majestic
steps and at times the dancers inter-lock their hands and move in a circular-pattern. They
are fond of using ornaments made of beads and stones. They also put on a long gown
embroidered at the borders and a matching jacket over it.
LOSAR SHONA CHUKSAM
It is the dance of Kinnauri people who have dance
and music in their veins. The dance takes the name from Losar meaning New Year. This is
held in Chaitra-Vaishakha. The musical instruments played with Kinnauri dances - the big
Dhol, Bugjal-the bronze cymbals Karnal-the long wind pipe, and the Ransingha.
CHHANAK CHHAM (LAHUL SPITI
- H.P.)
The lama of Lahul Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh
perform this devotional dance related to their well known Chakhar Festival which comes
after every three years to pay tribute to Mahatama Budha.
JHAMAKADA
(H.P.)
Jhamakada is a group dance performed in Kangra. This
dance is exclusively performed by women. The dance is accompanied by a variety of
percussion instruments and lyrical songs.
GUGGA
The dance of the lower and plain areas of Himachal
Pradesh, the Gugga is performed to worship Gugga Jauhar Pir, believed to be protector of
snake and animal life. The dancers carry a big flag and Chhattar-ceremonial big
umbrella-to the Gugga’s place.
OTHER DANCES
Nati in Himachal is most popular form of dance.
Nati, infact, is a dance of a particular area, having its specific rhythm and beat.
Depending on these two distinguishing features, we have a rich variety of Natis. Nati is
identified after the name of its area like Kullu Nati, Kinnauri Nati, Sirmouri Nati,
Gaddi Nati, Shimla Nati. All of them have their own distinctiveness seen in rich
costumes and ornaments worn by the dancers and in accompanying songs and instrumental
music.
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