NORTH INDIAN DANCES AND ARTICRAFTS

By AKHIL TYAGI

INTRODUCTION TO DANCES

Dance is a type of art that generally refers

to movement of the body, usually rhythmic and

to music, performed in many different cultures and

used as a form of expression, social,

interaction and exercise or presented in

a spiritual or performance setting.

DANCES OF NORTH INDIA

Indian folk dances are creation of different socio-economic set up

and traditions. An integral part of the social environment, they are

performed on different occasion, which might be the arrival of a

new season, a particular festival, the birth of a child or even a

wedding. Indian folk dances are full of energy and vitality and are

performed to express joy. Each form of these dances has a specific

costume, rhythm and movements attached to it. The costumes are

mostly colorful in nature, with extensive jewels and designs. Some

of the folk dances in India are performed separately by men and

women, while others have men and women dancing together.

Mostly, the dancers sing themselves and are accompanied by artists

with instruments. One important part of Indian folk dances includes

those of north India. Given below are the folk dances of the main

northern regions of India.

Jammu & Kashmir

Dumhal: The dance of the Kashmiris is called

as 'Dumhal'. It is performed by dancers

wearing long colorful robes and tall conical

caps, studded with beads and shells. It is

mainly the men folk of Wattal who perform

this dance, that too on specific occasions.

While dancing, the performers sing too, with

drums to assist their lyrics. The party of

performers moves in a ritual manner and digs

a banner into the ground, at a set location.

The dance begins with the men dancing

around this banner.

DANCES

Himachal Pradesh

Hikat: Hikat is performed by women and

comes across as a modification of a game

played by children. Forming pairs, the

participants extend their arms to the

front, gripping each other's wrists. With

their body inclined back, they go round

and round at the same spot. Namagen:

Namagen is another folk dance that is

specific to the state of Himachal Pradesh.

It mainly celebrates the autumnal hue, in

the month of September.

DANCES

Uttar Pradesh

Hurka Baul: Hurka Baul is performed during paddy and maize

cultivation, in different fields, by turns. Its name has been derived from

the terms 'hurka', the drum which constitutes the only musical

accompaniment to the dance, and 'baul', the song. The singer narrates

the story of battles and heroic deeds, while the dancers enter from two

opposite sides and enact the stories, in a series of crisp movements.

The farmers form two rows and move backwards, in unison, while

responding to the tunes of the song and the rhythm of the dancers.

Chholiya: A famous dance

of Kumaon region, Chholiya

is mainly performed during

marriages. As the groom's

procession proceeds to the

bride's house, male dancers,

armed with swords and

shields, dance spiritedly.

DANCES

Punjab 

Bhangra: One of the most popular

dances of North India, performed

during the festival of Baisakhi, is the

Bhangra. Among the most virile and

captivating dances of India, it is

undertaken by men and includes

tricks and acrobatic feats. The

drummer, usually in the centre of

the circle, is surrounded by men

dressed in lungis and turbans. 

Punjab

Gidha: The dance performed by

the women folk of Punjab is called

the Gidha. In this dance form, a

woman or a pair of women dances

at a time, while the others

surround them and clap in

rhythm. The dance is mainly

performed during the festival of

Teeyan, to welcome the rains

Haryana

Dhamyal: The folk dance of

Haryana is known as the

'Dhamyal' or the 'Duph'. The

dance can be performed by men

alone as well as with women. The

Duph, after which the dance

form is anmed, is a circular

drum, played nimbly by the male

dancers, as they dance.

PICTURES OF

DANCES

GIDHHA

DUNHAL

ARTICRAFTS OF NORTH INDIA

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Indian arts and crafts, the top of the workmanship of Indian craftsmen,

have, since time immemorial, fascinated the thoughts of people, globally.

Every state in India, boasts of an exclusivity and specialty, depending upon

its historical influences, traditional skills, and the raw materials, locally

presented. India is world famous for its deftness in paintings, exquisite

embroidery, and the perfect and beautiful sculptures in stone, metal, wood,

temple carvings and gracefully designed jewellery. North India is the home

of a large number of tribes and sub-tribes. They have an energetic craft

tradition and every family excels in craftsmanship. We provide detailed

information of arts and crafts to tourists for North India Arts & Crafts Tour.

Paintings:

In North India Arts & Crafts Tour,

Paintings of Rajasthan- tiny and folk

are known all over the world for

treatment and composition, color

scheme and subjecting. The purpose

of Rajasthani paintings is delight.

Hence, women have been given

importance in all the artists'

creations. 

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Metalware:

North Indian craftsmen have always

shown an exceptional skill in

drawing, chasing and ornamenting of

gold and silver articles of everyday

and decorative use. The metalware

of Rajasthan comprises artistic cheek

work, enameled, engraved and

filigree cut work on silver. 

Carpets and Namdas:

The Rajasthani carpet and Namdas

is but a true expression of the

workers' simple philosophy, his

responsive perception of nature and

its changing moods convincingly

translated into the craft. The color

combinations are beautiful and

worksmanship exquisite. 

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Furniture:

The furniture of

Rajasthan is in harmony

with its palaces and

havelis, displaying

similar intricate design

and carving.

Embroidery:

In the hamlets of southwestern Rajasthan

you won't spot a solitary house without an

embroidered toran or frieze hung above

the doorway. The women of this region and

adjoining Kutch and Saurashtra districts of

Gujarat are adept at needlework.

Furniture, Furniture art and craft,

Furniture art of Rajasthan, Furniture Arts

& Crafts In Rajasthan, Rajasthan Arts

Crafts, Arts Crafts of Rajasthan India

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Pottery:

Pottery, one of the old crafts, has

its own standing tradition in

Rajasthan. Certain shapes are

characteristic of Rajasthan.

Alwar has been known for its

double cutwork pottery known

as "kagzi".

 

POTTERY

EMBROIDERY

CARPET

PAINTING

METALWARE

B Y – A K H I L T YA G I

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