9 folk dances that make Odisha a dancer's paradise

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, July 27:

Folk dances of Odisha are spectacular and a visual delight . The earthy rhythmic foot tapping music fills your senses and urges you to shake a leg or two even though you do not understand the song sometimes. The beat of the drums, the lilting songs, the graceful body movements filled with unique poses, simple steps combines to become a dancing delight. The bright and gorgeous costumes, accessorized with colourful beads, silver ornaments with charming and colourful headgears, jangling and clanging with every sinuous movement brings in the freshness of the traditional rural flavor.

 Odisha Sun Times talks about eight such dance forms below that form the artistic heritage of Odisha:

1. Sambalpuri folk dance

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Dalkhai , Rasarkeli , Jai phula, are performed by women and young girls and as the name suggests, owes its origin to the western part of Odisha. The stanza of the songs start with- Dalkhai bo, Rasarkeli bo, Jai phula bo, referring to the girlfriend of the dancer. This is usually performed in the villages during festivals like Dussera, Bhaijiuntia, Phagun Puni, Nuakhai etc. Rangabati  is one of the Sambalpuri songs which has become famous worldwide.

2. Paika dance

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Paika dance is a very energetic dance form where only young boys or men perform this art. Derived from the Sanskrit word Padatika meaning the infantry, this dance form has originated from eastern Odisha. It is filled with traditional physical exercises and is performed with a sword and shield in hand to the accompaniment of the dhol. Performers dressed as 'Paikas' or warriors enact battle scenes through dance. The steps are executed with precision and agility which is the highlight of this folk art form.

3. Chaitee Ghoda

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This folk dance is performed by the fishermen caste or the Kaibartas during the month of 'Chaitra' (March-April). It is in honour of their deity Vasuli devi. The dancer rides a bamboo horse which is beautifully decorated with colourful frilled cloth pieces, beads and small bells and is performed to the tune of dhol and mahuri. The dancer makes a circuitous journey of the village and villagers participate in it.

4. Danda nacha

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In the months of March and April even with the terrible heat wave sweeping across the state, Danda nacha (a dance which punishes of the body with religiosity) is celebrated across the state with much fervour. The Pani danda which is performed in the water and the dhuli danda which is performed on the ground are strenuous but done in full dedication. Drums and cymbals are used in this dance which is dedicated to Goddess Kali is performed by men only.The danda nacha is celebrated in different parts of south Odisha particularly in Ganjam district.

5. Kela Keluni:

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The Kelas are an wandering group of people who make their living by catching snakes. The Kela –Keluni folk dance is a very interesting folk dance which is full of humour. The story revolves around the situation of the Kela who is married to two Kelunis and how he manages to survive trying to keep both his wives happy. In this the Kela usually plays the ghuduki a typical string instrument. Late Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra  had composed and performed the Kela Keluni dance with his wife Laxmipriya devi and Jayanti Ghosh.

6. Chhau nacha:

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Chhau is derived from the Sanskrit word chhaya which means shadow. The Mayurbhanja Chhau has transcended across the globe and stolen hearts. This dance form enacts stories from mythology like the  great epics of Ramayan, Mahabharat ,folk and tribal elements. The two main Rasas which dominate the dance is the Vira rasa and the Rudra rasa. Songs are accompanied by musical instruments like the Mohuri , Chad-Chadi ,Dhol, Dhumsa .

7. Ranapa nacha:

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Dancing on Ranapa (stilt) is still performed by the cowherd communities of South Odisha.  The young men tie their feet to the bamboo stilts and mesmerise the audience by executing symmetrical steps to the music of the Dhol and Mahuri. The songs are filled with praises about Lord Krishna and his exciting boyhood exploits.

8. Ghumra nacha:

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Ghumra is a folk dance of the Kalahandi district of Odisha.  It is believed that to kill the demon king Mahisasur, one of the war-musical instruments collected was the Ghumura instrument which was formed by the fusion of the dambaru of Lord Shiva and the veena of goddess Saraswati. The ghumra is  a pitcher-shaped drum which is tied around the dancer’s neck. They play on the drum while dancing to the accompaniment of songs which describe stories of hunting to everyday joys and sorrows of the people. The dancers execute intricate movements, jumps and pirouettes in a fast tempo.