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Folk Dance of Himachal Pradesh

You would get lost in these dance forms and find yourself in new world.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.