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The traditional dances of Himachal Pradesh are very complicated. These dances are a vital part of tribal life. It reflects the culture and the tradition of Himachal. Hardly any festivity there is celebrated without dancing. Dance forms such as Nati are performed all over the region.
Dev Nati is a traditional folk dance practiced in the Western and Central Hills of the Indian subcontinent. It is primarily native to the states of Himachal Pradesh and Garhwal region of Uttrakhand. Nati is the most famous dance of Himachal Pradesh. It is listed in the Guinness world record book as the largest folk dance. It mainly originated from [Shimla, Mandi, Solan, Sirmaur, Kinnaur and Kullu] and became popular across the state and in Chandigarh where Himachali youth performed this on cultural programmes in colleges and universities. Nati is performed on important occasions such as marriages. A similar form Barada-Nati is performed in Jaunsar-Bawar area of Uttarakhand. Nati is known as Tandi in upper districts of Garhwal, and is very common during weddings and fairs in HIMACHAL PRADESH (H.P.)
Nati, an intriguing dance form belonging to north India was officially listed as the "largest folk dance in the world" (in terms of the number of dancers performing) in the Guinness Book of World Records in early January 2016. This "traditional dance" essentially derives its roots from the state of Himachal Pradesh, and is also popular in the union territory of Chandigarh. This folk dance is also said to consist of different forms that includes Mahasuvi Nathi, Sirmauri Nathi, Lahauli Nathi, Seraji Nathi ,Karsogi Nathi , Chauhari Nathi and Kinnauri Nathi. Furthermore, this folk dance is extremely popular in the "Himachali" region, and is performed frequently at various cultural programmes.
This "Himachali" dance form is said to be similar to the Raas Lila and is considered to have been developed in honour of Krishna and his "Gopis". Furthermore, it also represents the entertaining plays of Chandravali. In addition, this dance form according to tradition is supposed to be performed only by males.
Costumes used in the Nati folk dance:
Although traditionally this dance form is male oriented, these days however it is performed by women as well, and so the costume worn varies as follows:
1. For males:
The attire used mainly includes decorated caps, sashes, churidaars, and swirling tunics called Cholas.
2. For females:
Some regions wear a costume with churidaar pyjamas, ghagra and chola, popularly called Rezta or peticoat, and decorative caps they also wear gold and silver ornaments known as "Chanki and Tunki". In other regions like Kullu, a one-piece drape called Pattu is worn on a shirt and churidaar leggings. Jewellery like the Chandra Haar which is an intricate necklace of silver, and a Bumni and Payal or Jhanjhar are worn by women.
Music involved in the Nati folk dance:
The instruments used in this dance form include Narsingha, Karnal, Shennai, Dhol, and Nagara.
Training availability and dance technique involved in the Nati folk dance:
In this dance form, a group of men/women dressed in their traditional attire arrange themselves in a circle and rhythmically dance to the beats produced by instruments such as the dhol, narsingha etc. As for training centres/schools, there are none available throughout the country, since this folk dance has been developed mainly in the "Kullu" region of Himachal Pradesh, and has been essentially passed on from one generation to another.
Kayang Mala is a dance form in which dancers form a garland-like pattern by weaving each other's arms and becoming beads of the garland. Every performer is well dressed and heavily decorated with jewellery. Before commencing the dance, they are supposed to drink Chhang, which is a local drink. Kayang Mala is one of the most popular traditional dances in Himachal Pradesh
This dance from Kinnaur and nearby areas are redolent of the historic period. The Kinnaur folk are compared to deer. The dance is performed with demon masks. It represents the attack of the demons on the crops and their ritual pursuing away by the forces of good. [1] Chhambha is more or less similar to the Punjabi dance Bhangra. These dance forms are generally organised in areas having dense population. During their local festivals like Chaitol and Bishu, such community dancing can be witnessed. Men and women hold hands and dance together. Also known as Chhambha or the Rakhshasa Dance, the Demon Dance is another form of traditional dance in Himachal Pradesh that reflects its beautiful culture and simple lifestyle. It has a history dating back to thousands of years and is said to have originated in the Kinnaur region of the state. It is performed by men and women wearing demon masks while holding each other's hands. The dance group is guided by a leader called Ghure. The Demon Dance generally represents the situation of demons attacking crops and crops being guarded by gods. You must witness this mesmerising celebration while in Himachal Pradesh.
Ludi is a dance form from the district Mandi of Himachal Pradesh and used to be performed in other areas of the state and adjacent ones in the times of Kings. This is a dance that was specifically performed in royal courts and more recently social gatherings. Luddi is a high-energy dance form that is performed by both men and women. The dance is characterized by quick, circular movements of the feet, accompanied by rhythmic clapping and chanting. The performers wear colourful traditional attire, which adds to the vibrancy of the dance.
The Dalshone and Cholamba dance forms belong to the Ropa Valley. The pattern formed by the dancers seems to resemble coiled serpents. Cholamba is generally performed when a tiger is killed. The dead animal's skin is stuffed and a gold ornament is put in
Cholamba Dance: It is one of the oldest-known dance forms in the state. As per locals, it is said to have been in existence for centuries. It is a unique dance form which is performed after the killing of a tiger. During its celebration, the skin of the animal is stuffed and its nose is decorated with gold ornaments.
These are the most popular dances of the Lahaul valley and are generally danced at Buddhist Gompas in the memory of the Buddha.
Shand and Shabu are two popular dance forms in Himachal Pradesh which are generally performed at Buddhist monasteries in the loving memory of Buddha. They are said to have originated in the Lahaul and Spiti district of the state.
The kikli dance form is a dance of young girls. The girls hold each other's hand crosswise and rotate swiftly on their toes.
The Bhangra is a male dance which originated in the Punjab and is also performed in some areas of Una.
The dance forms of the trans-Himalayan region differs in content and music. The old tradition of both song and dance in these regions is guarded against urban influence. Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti and Tehsils of Pangi and Bharmour of Chamba constitute this zone. Inhabitants are known as Kinnauras, Lahaulas, Spitians, Pangwals and Gaddis . Gujjars and many of these tribes have their own distinct traditions of folk dances, songs, dresses and ornaments.
Many ritual dances are performed by Lamas on festive occasions. One masked dance form mainly features an important event in the history of Himalayan Buddhism when Lamas effectively carried out a plan of executing King Langdarma. A special event for masked dances is the celebration of the birth of Padma Sambhava (who carried the message of Buddhism to Tibet. [2]
Himachal Pradesh is a state in the northern part of India. Situated in the Western Himalayas, it is one of the thirteen mountain states and is characterized by an extreme landscape featuring several peaks and extensive river systems. Himachal Pradesh is the northernmost state of India and shares borders with the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to the north, and the states of Punjab to the west, Haryana to the southwest, Uttarakhand to the southeast and a very narrow border with Uttar Pradesh to the south. The state also shares an international border to the east with the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. Himachal Pradesh is also known as Dev Bhoomi or Dev Bhumi, meaning 'Land of Gods' and Veer Bhoomi which means 'Land of the Brave'.
The Lahaul and Spiti district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh consists of the two formerly separate districts of Lahaul and Spiti. The present administrative center is Kyelang in Lahaul. Before the two districts were merged, Kardang was the capital of Lahaul, and Dhankar the capital of Spiti. The district was formed in 1960 and is the fourth least populous district in India. It is the least densely populated district of India, according to the Census of India 2011.
The music of Himachal Pradesh includes many kinds of folk songs from the area, many of which are sung without accompaniment.
The state of Himachal Pradesh is spread over an area 55,673 km2 (21,495 sq mi) and is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on the north, Punjab on the southwest, Haryana on the south, Uttarakhand on the southeast, a small border with Uttar Pradesh in the south, and Tibet on the east. Entire Himachal Pradesh lies in the mountainous Himalaya region, rich in natural resources
The North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is a state that has remained largely uninfluenced by Western culture. Himachal Pradesh is a multi-religion practising, multicultural and multilingual state. Some of the most commonly spoken languages are Hindi and the various Pahari languages. The Hindu communities residing in Himachal include the Brahmins, Rajputs, Kannets, Rathis and Kolis. There are also tribal population in the state which mainly comprise Gaddis, Kinnarms, Gujjars, Pangawals and Lahaulis.
Spiti is a high-altitude region of the Himalayas, located in the north-eastern part of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The name "Spiti" means "The middle land", i.e. the land between Tibet and India. Spiti incorporates mainly the valley of the Spiti River, and the valleys of several rivers that feed into the Spiti River. Some of the prominent side-valleys in Spiti are the Pin valley and the Lingti valley. Spiti is bordered on the east by Tibet, on the north by Ladakh, on the west and southwest by Lahaul, on the south by Kullu, and on the southeast by Kinnaur. Spiti has a cold desert environment. The valley and its surrounding regions are among the least populated regions of India. The Bhoti-speaking local population follows Tibetan Buddhism.
Among arts and crafts that come out of Himachal Pradesh state in India are carpets, leather works, shawls, metalware, woodwork and paintings. Pashmina shawl is the product which is highly in demand not only in Himachal but all over the country. Colourful Himachali caps are also famous art work of the people. One tribe, Dom, is expert in manufacturing bamboo items like boxes, sofas, chairs, baskets and racks. Metalware of the state include utensils, ritualistic vessels, idols, gold and silver jewelleries.
Kaza, also spelled Kaze, Karze, Karzey, is a town and the subdivisional headquarters of the remote Spiti Valley in the western Himalayas in the Lahaul and Spiti district of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Spiti is a high altitude or cold desert having close similarities to the neighbouring Tibet and Ladakh regions in terms of terrain, climate and the Buddhist culture. Kaza, situated along the Spiti River at an elevation of 3,650 m (11,980 ft) above mean sea level, is the largest township and commercial center of the Spiti valley.
The 1975 Kinnaur earthquake occurred in the early afternoon of 19 January. It had a magnitude of 6.8 on the surface wave magnitude scale and a maximum perceived intensity of IX (Violent) on the Mercalli intensity scale, causing extensive damage in Himachal Pradesh, in northern India. Its epicentre was in Kinnaur district in the southeastern part of Himachal Pradesh and caused 47 casualties. Landslides, rock falls and avalanches caused major damage to the Hindustan-Tibet Road. The earthquake affected many monasteries and buildings in the state and led to an extensive restoration work in the late 1970s and early 1980s in Himachal Pradesh. The Spiti and Parachu valleys in particular suffered the greatest damage being on the north–south Kaurik-Chango fault, causing damage to landmarks such as Key Monastery and Tabo Monastery.
Buddhism in the Himachal Pradesh state of India of has been a long-recorded practice. The spread of Buddhism in the region has occurred intermediately throughout its history. Starting in the 3rd century BCE, Buddhism was propagated by the Maurya Empire under the reign of Ashoka. The region would remain an important center for Buddhism under the Kushan Empire and its vassals. Over the centuries the following of Buddhism has greatly fluctuated. Yet by experiencing revivals and migrations, Buddhism continued to be rooted in the region, particularly in the Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur valleys.
Bhangra is a type of traditional folk dance of Punjab area of the Indian subcontinent. It is done in the season of harvesting. According to Manuel (2001), bhangra is especially associated with the vernal Vaisakhi festival.
The word Nati is used for the traditional folk songs sung in the Western and Central Hills of the Indian subcontinent. It is primarily native to the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Nati is traditionally performed in the Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Chamba, Kinnaur, Uttarkashi, Dehradun (Jaunsar-Bawar) and Tehri Garhwal districts. However, due to high immigration of ethnic paharis in the plains, this has been made popular in the plains too. Nowadays many consider pahari dance as nati but it actually corresponds to pahari songs. Traditionally, locals dance to the beats of percussion instruments called Dhol-Damau. Pahari dance is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as largest folk dance.
The Bodh people, also known as Khas Bhodi, are an ethnic group of Himachal Pradesh, India. They are found in Lahaul tehsil, Lahaul and Spiti district, predominantly in the Bhaga and Chandra valleys, but also to a lesser extent in Pattani valley, Miyar Valley, in the upper reaches of Pangi, Himachal Pradesh and Paddar valley, Jammu and Kashmir. Their religion is predominantly Buddhism with animistic and shaivite practices. Caste wise, they are identified as Rajput, Thakur or Kshetri although caste rules are not as rigid as in the plains. Historically, 3-4 prominent families of the area were accorded the titles of Rana, Wazir or Thakur by the kings of Chamba, Kullu or Ladakh for the purpose of general administration and revenue collection. They have a mix of martial traditions alongside shamanistic and lamaistic beliefs. Certain families/clans used to be significant zamindars/jagirdars. There is a significant cultural and ethnic mixing due to the region passing under the hegemony of rulers of Ladakh, Kullu and Chamba over the last many centuries. The language spoken differs from valley to valley with some dialects being very close to Kumaoni, while others are mixed with Chambyali and Dari. They are progressive, enterprising, honest and were involved in the centuries old India-Tibet-Nepal trading routes. Organized into family groups/clans with clan names ending in the suffix "-pa" similar to the "-ta" suffix found in the family/clan names of the Simla area.
The Western Himalayas refers to the western half of the Himalayas, in northwestern India and northern Pakistan. Four of the five tributaries of the Indus River in Punjab rise in the Western Himalayas; while the fifth, the Sutlej cuts through the range after rising in Tibet.
Bhoti Kinnauri is a Tibetic language spoken in the Lahaul and Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh, India. It forms a closely knit group with other Lahuli–Spiti languages, and is fairly close to Standard Tibetan.
Mud is a small village in the cold desert region of Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, India. Located at an altitude of 3,810 m (12,500 ft) on the left bank of the Pin River, a right bank tributary of the Spiti River, the village nestles at the base of the Parbati range that towers almost vertically 1,600 m (5,200 ft) above. Mud is near the boundary of the Pin Valley National Park and is a convenient base for treks in the park, and to the neighbouring districts of Kullu and Kinnaur. It is the last village on the Spiti side of the Pin Parbati trek to Kullu and the Pin Bhaba trek to Kinnaur.
Tobdan is a historian and linguist from Himachal Pradesh, India. He is noted for his work on the cultural traditions, histories, and languages of the Lahaul and Spiti district, and some neighboring regions.
Tshering Dorje was a cultural historian from Himachal Pradesh, India. He was regarded as an authority on the cultural traditions and histories of the Lahaul and Spiti district and some neighboring regions. He also played an important role in bringing about the construction of the 9.02 km-long, high-altitude Atal Tunnel.