Chhattisgarh is a state in India that is both ancient and rapidly expanding. The state of Chhattisgarh, which shares borders with several major Indian states such as Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, is well-known not only for its rich past but also for its culture, which is rich in a variety of interesting dance forms. The enormous range of dance forms can be attributed to the large number of tribes that coexist peacefully in this vast state. In this article, we’ve provided several important dance forms of Chattisgarh. Read the below article entirely to get insights into various important folk dances of Chattisgarh with Pictures.
Table of Contents
Important Folk Dances of Chattisgarh
Check the below table to get the list of important folk dances of Chattisgarh.
| Dance Form | Description |
|---|---|
| Saila Dance | Saila Dance is a traditional folk dance form originating from the state of Odisha in India. It is performed by the tribal communities, particularly the Kondhs, during their religious and social gatherings. The dance is characterized by graceful movements and rhythmic footwork. |
| Sua Nacha | Sua Nacha is a popular folk dance form from the western region of Odisha, India. It is primarily performed by a community called ‘Sua’ during various festivals and special occasions. The dance involves intricate footwork, quick spins, and vibrant costumes, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region. |
| Karma Dance | Karma Dance is a tribal dance form practiced by the Karma community in the regions of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha in India. It is performed to appease the deities and seek their blessings for a bountiful harvest. The dancers move in a circular pattern, accompanied by rhythmic drum beats and chanting. |
| Panthi Dance | Panthi Dance is a folk dance form originating from the state of Chhattisgarh, India. It is performed by the Satnami community during religious festivals and celebrations. The dance is characterized by rhythmic movements, vigorous footwork, and expressive gestures, often accompanied by traditional musical instruments. |
| Gendi Dance | Gendi Dance, also known as Gendi Jogwa, is a folk dance form from Maharashtra, India. It is traditionally performed by the shepherd community, known as Dhangars, during harvest festivals and celebrations. The dancers use a long stick called ‘Gendi’ to create rhythmic beats while dancing in a synchronized manner. |
Folk Dances of Chattisgarh with Pictures
You’ll be thrilled to hear that most Chhattisgarh folk dance forms are performed to mark the change of seasons, as part of rituals, or in veneration for the gods. We’ve provided the various renowned folk dances of Chattisgarh with Pictures below.
Saila Dance
This is one of Chhattisgarh’s several popular folk dances, known for its distinctive style. After the harvest season, lads frequently perform this folk dance. The residents travel to other villages to perform the amazing Saila dance during the month of Aghan. In reality, the saila dancers visit every house in the village to perform this beautiful dance.
Sua Nacha
Also known by the name of Parrot dance generally, is another popular folk dance of Chhattisgarh that is usually performed on the occasion of Goura’s marriage. For those of you who are wondering the reason behind this unique name given to the Sua Nacha folk dance, let us tell you why it is called so. The women perform this folk dance while keeping a parrot in the centre, which obviously has grabbed the centre of attention in this extraordinary name.
Karma Dance
This Chhattisgarh folk dance is usually performed by tribal communities from the state, such as the Gonds, Oraons, and Baigas. If you’re wondering if this folk dance is also performed on certain occasions, you’re correct. This dance form is performed to commemorate the conclusion of the rainy season and the start of the lovely spring season. This dancing performance includes both men and women from the communities.
Panthi Dance
Folk dance is one of the most important forms of entertainment and a cultural exhibition for the people of the region. When discussing the top folk dances of Chhattisgarh, the Panthi dance should not be overlooked. This dance form is not only one of the most significant types of folk dance in this area, but it is also a prominent ritual or rite of Chhattisgarh’s Satnami population. This dance form is frequently done by the community at the Maghi Purnima celebration of the birth anniversary of their Guru Ghasida.
Gendi Dance
The dancers are raised high on two long bamboo poles or any other strong pole during the performance of Gendi Dance, which makes this dance form distinct and special. Furthermore, it is only after riding that high pole that they are able to manoeuvre through the tangle of other Gendi-mounted performers. The finest aspect of the Gendi dance is witnessing the performers bang the pole on the ground while maintaining excellent balance and swaying to the many tribal acoustics and percussions.
Pandavani
Pandavani dance type is another distinct Chhattisgarh folk dance. You might be astonished to learn that this folk dance is known as the “dark horse” of Chhattisgarh folk dance. Another intriguing aspect of the Pandavani dance form that distinguishes it from others is that the dancers attempt to convey the story of the Pandavas, the main protagonists in the epic war of Mahabharata, through their performance. This is why people travel long distances to see this dancing performance.
Raut Nacha
Raut nacha are the cowboys of the state, and this Chhattisgarh folk dance is also known as the Cowherds Folk Dance. If you are familiar with Hindu mythology, you will know that the Yadavas or Yaduvanshis, a popular Chhattisgarh caste, are thought to be the descendants of Lord Krishna, one of the most important Hindu Gods. The Raut Nacha dance genre depicts episodes from the region’s historic ferocious conflict between the villainous King Kansa and the cowboys.
Folk Dances of Chattisgarh FAQs
Chhattisgarh is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse folk dances. Some popular folk dances of Chhattisgarh include Pandwani, Raut Nacha, Karma, Panthi, Sua Nacha, Saila, and Soowa Nacha.
Raut Nacha is a popular folk dance of the Yadav community in Chhattisgarh. It is performed during the Kartik Poornima festival and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The dancers dress up as various characters from Hindu mythology, and wear elaborate costumes.
Karma dance is a tribal folk dance of Chhattisgarh, mainly performed by the Gond and Oraon tribes. It is a fertility dance that is performed during the Karma festival to propitiate the deities and seek blessings for a good harvest.
Panthi dance is a devotional folk dance form of Chhattisgarh associated with the Satnami community. It is performed as a tribute to Guru Ghasidas, the 19th-century saint and social reformer.
You can witness these folk dances of Chhattisgarh during various festivals and cultural events held in the state. The major cities, such as Raipur, Bilaspur, and Jagdalpur, often organize cultural programs where these folk dances are performed.
