Odisha is a state geographically placed on the eastern side of India. Its east side is covered by the Bay of Bengal. Rest of the side is covered by Andhrapradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
Odisha is having a vast population of tribal people. Tribal people, even general people of different have different culture, dance and language. These section of people are trying to conserve their culture and tradition from the encroachment of modern technology and modern culture. The people of Odisha celebrate a different festival to celebrate the different time of the year. Like festival after good harvesting, before harvesting etc.
Folk dances of Odisha are spectacular and a visual delight. The earthy rhythmic foot-tapping music fills your senses and urges you to shake a leg or two even though you do not understand the song sometimes. The beat of the drums, the lilting songs, the graceful body movements filled with unique poses, simple steps combines to become a dancing delight. The bright and gorgeous costumes, accessorized with colourful beads, silver ornaments with charming and colourful headgears, jangling and clanging with every sinuous movement brings in the freshness of the traditional rural flavour.
There are some of the popular folk dances
1.Sambalpuri folk dance
Dalkhai, Rasarkeli, Jai phula, are performed by women and young girls and as the name suggests, owes its origin to the western part of Odisha. The stanza of the songs start with– Dalkhai bo, Rasarkeli bo, Jai phula bo, referring to the girlfriend of the dancer. This is usually performed in the villages during festivals like Dussera, Bhaijiuntia, Phagun Puni, Nuakhai etc. Rangabati is one of the Sambalpuri songs which has become famous worldwide.
2.Paika dance
Paika dance is a very energetic dance form where only young boys or men perform this art. Derived from the Sanskrit word Padatika meaning the infantry, this dance form has originated from eastern Odisha. It is filled with traditional physical exercises and is performed with a sword and shield in hand to the accompaniment of the dhol. Performers dressed as ‘Paikas‘ or warriors enact battle scenes through dance. The steps are executed with precision and agility which is the highlight of this folk art form.
3.Danda nacha
One of the most popular folk dances of Odisha performed in the Ganjam district is Danda Nata. In this form of dance, devotees undergo a penance to appease Lord Shiva by physically touring their body.
4. Chhau Dance
Chhau is derived from the Sanskrit word chhaya which means shadow. The Mayurbhanja Chhau has transcended across the globe and stolen hearts. This dance form enacts stories from mythology like the great epics of Ramayan, Mahabharat ,folk and tribal elements. The two main Rasas which dominate the dance is the Vira rasa and the Rudra rasa. Songs are accompanied by musical instruments like the Mohuri , Chad-Chadi ,Dhol, Dhumsa .
5.Ranapa nacha:
Dancing on Ranapa (stilt) is still performed by the cowherd communities of South Odisha. The young men tie their feet to the bamboo stilts and mesmerise the audience by executing symmetrical steps to the music of the Dhol and Mahuri. The songs are filled with praises about Lord Krishna and his exciting boyhood exploits.
6.Ghumra nacha:
Ghumra is a folk dance of the Kalahandi district of Odisha. It is believed that to kill the demon king Mahisasur, one of the war-musical instruments collected was the Ghumura instrument which was formed by the fusion of the dambaru of Lord Shiva and the veena of goddess Saraswati. The ghumra is a pitcher-shaped drum which is tied around the dancer’s neck. They play on the drum while dancing to the accompaniment of songs which describe stories of hunting to everyday joys and sorrows of the people. The dancers execute intricate movements, jumps and pirouettes in a fast tempo.
7.Chaitee Ghoda
This folk dance is performed by the fishermen caste or the Kaibartas during the month of ‘Chaitra‘ (March-April). It is in honour of their deity Vasuli devi. The dancer rides a bamboo horse which is beautifully decorated with colourful frilled cloth pieces, beads and small bells and is performed to the tune of dhol and mahuri. The dancer makes a circuitous journey of the village and villagers participate in it.
8.Karma Nacha
Performed during the festival of Karma Puja by the people of Gond and Oraon tribes, the tribal dance of Karma is presented in front of Karam Tree that represents the God of Fate.
9.Medha Dance
Medha Nacha is another type of mask dance performed mainly in the coastal districts of Odisha. Oversized masks of kings, queens, and devils made by paper pulp are used by dancers to perform this beautiful dance form in India.
10.Changu Dance
Performed by almost all the regional tribes of Odisha, Changu Dance is a rural variety of the tambourine. This dance is mainly performed by women however men only sing songs and groove with female dancers with simple steps.
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