Varsha PandeyThe folk dance of Tripura, a state in northeastern India, is rich and diverse, Folk dances of Tripura that inhabit the region.
Some popular folk dances of Tripura include
The main folk dances of Tripura are – the Hozagiri dance of the Reang community, Garia, Jhum, Maimita, Masak Sumani, and Lebang booming dances of the Tripuri community, Bijhu dance of the Chakma community, Cheraw and Welcome dances of Lusai community Hai-Hak dance of Malsum community, Wangala dance of Garo Community, Sangraiaka, Chimithang, Padisha and Abhangma dances of Mog community, Garia dances of Kalai and Jamatia communities, Gajan, Dhamail Sari and Rabindra dances of Bengali community and Basanta Rash and Pung chalam dances of Manipuri community.
Each community has its own traditional musical instruments.
To name a few are – ‘Khamb ( Drum)’, Bamboo flute, ‘Lebang,’, ‘Sarinda’, ‘Do- Tara’, and ‘Khengrong’, etc.
The folk dance of Tripura, a state in northeastern India, is rich and diverse, Folk dances of Tripurathat inhabit the region. Some popular folk dances of Tripura include:
Hojagiri-Folk dances of Tripura
Hojagiri is a graceful and vibrant dance performed by the Reang community. It involves balancing pitchers on the head while dancing to the rhythm of traditional music. The dancers display excellent control and balance while executing various movements.
Hojagiri, also known as “Hojagiri Dance” or “Mewati Dance,” is a traditional folk dance performed by the Mewati community in the Mewat region of Haryana and Rajasthan in India. The dance is an integral part of their cultural and social life and is often performed during various festive occasions and celebrations.
Key features of the Hojagiri dance
Attire
The dancers, both men, and women, wear colorful and traditional costumes. Women usually dress in bright, vibrant ghagras (long skirts) and cholis (blouses) adorned with intricate embroidery and mirror work. Men wear traditional dhotis and turbans.
Earthenware pots
The dance involves balancing multiple earthenware pots or matkas on the dancers’ heads and sometimes on their hands. These pots are often decorated with flowers and embellishments.
Music
The dance is accompanied by traditional folk music that consists of instruments like dholak (a double-headed hand drum), manjira (small cymbals), and flute. The music sets the rhythm for the dancers’ movements.
Graceful movements
Hojagiri dance is characterized by graceful, swaying movements of the body. The dancers skillfully move and rotate their bodies while balancing the pots on their heads. They often perform intricate footwork and hand gestures as well.
Balancing act
One of the most captivating aspects of the Hojagiri dance is the skillful balancing of multiple pots on the dancers’ heads. The number of pots can vary, with some performers even balancing up to seven or more pots at a time.
Expressive storytelling
The dance often tells stories of love, longing, and the celebration of nature. It conveys emotions and narratives through the graceful expressions and movements of the dancers.
Hojagiri dance not only entertains the audience but also showcases the physical and artistic capabilities of the performers. Over the years, it has become a symbol of Mewat’s rich cultural heritage and a way for the community to preserve its traditions and customs.
Garia-Folk dances of Tripura
Garia is a major festival by the Tripuri community, and it also includes a traditional dance form. The dancers perform rhythmic steps to the beats of drums and cymbals, depicting agricultural activities and praying for a good harvest.
Key features of the Garia dance
Ritualistic significance
The Garia dance is performed during the Garia festival, which usually takes place in the spring or pre-monsoon season. The festival marks the beginning of the agricultural cycle and seeks the deity’s blessings for a bountiful harvest.
Music and instruments
The dance is accompanied by traditional folk music played on instruments like the dhol (a cylindrical double-headed drum), the madal (a traditional drum), and the shehnai (a wind instrument). The lively beats of the drums set the rhythm for the dancers’ movements.
Traditional attire
The dancers typically wear colorful and traditional tribal attire. Men often dress in dhotis and kurta-like shirts, while women wear sarees or other traditional tribal garments. They may also adorn themselves with tribal jewelry and accessories.
Symbolic movements
The Garia dance involves rhythmic and symbolic movements that depict various aspects of agricultural life and the worship of the deity Garia. The dancers use graceful steps, hand gestures, and body postures to tell stories and express their devotion.
Offering to the deity
During the dance, the participants carry a small bamboo structure, representing the deity Garia, decorated with flowers, leaves, and sometimes clay idols. This structure is then placed in a sacred spot as an offering to the deity, seeking blessings for a successful harvest.
Community participation
The Garia dance is a community activity, with both young and old members of the tribe taking part. It fosters a sense of unity and cultural identity among the participants.
The Garia dance is not only a celebration of the agricultural cycle but also a way for the tribal communities to pass down their cultural heritage from one generation to another. It reflects the close relationship these communities have with nature and their belief in the protective and nurturing powers of their deities.
Lebang Boomani-Folk dances of Tripura
Lebang Boomani is a group dance by the Tripuri tribe. It involves both male and female dancers forming circles and moving in synchrony. The dance is accompanied by traditional musical instruments like the flute, drum, and cymbals.
Hai-Hak-Folk dances of Tripura
Hai-Hak is a popular folk dance of the Chakma community in Tripura. It is a lively and energetic dance during festivals and social gatherings. The dancers move in circular patterns, accompanied by rhythmic clapping and footwork.
Wangala-Folk dances of Tripura
Although primarily with the Garo tribe of Meghalaya, the Wangala dance is also performed by the Garo community in Tripura. It is a harvest dance that celebrates the agricultural bounty. Dancers, adorned in traditional attire, perform rhythmic steps and movements to the beat of drums and bamboo instruments.
Mamita Dance-Folk dances of Tripura
The Mamita dance is performed by the tribal communities of Tripura, particularly the Halam and Jamatia tribes. It is a group dance where dancers form a circle and move in rhythmic steps, accompanied by traditional musical instruments like drums, cymbals, and bamboo flutes.
Jhum Dance-Folk dances of Tripura
Jhum dance is performed during the Jhum cultivation festival, which is a significant agricultural event in Tripura. It involves rhythmic footwork and movements depicting the process of clearing the land, sowing seeds, and harvesting crops.
Bizhu Dance-Folk dances of Tripura
Bizhu dance is performed during the Bizhu festival celebrated by the Chakma community. It is a joyous dance characterized by lively steps, hand gestures, and spinning movements. The dancers wear vibrant traditional attire and adorn themselves with accessories.
Maimita Dance-Folk dances of Tripura
The Maimita dance is performed by the Malsum tribe of Tripura. It is a traditional dance form depicting hunting and fishing activities. The dancers use props such as bows, arrows, fishing nets, and bamboo sticks to simulate the activities.
Mosak Sulmani Dance
Mosak Sulmani dance is perfor by the Tripuri community during the Garia Puja festival. It involves both men and women dancing in pairs, accompanied by traditional musical instruments. The dance symbolizes unity, joy, and celebration.
These are a few more examples of the diverse folk dances of Tripura. Each dance has its unique style, costumes, and significance, contributing to the cultural heritage of the state.
