Performing arts

Hozagiri Dance

This is a dance of the Reang community of Tripura, performed by women which has a strong element of acrobatics mixed in it. The dancers are accompanied on a drum called kham, chempreng – a stringed instrument – and the flute. The movements of the hands and the upper part of the body are restricted, but the movements from the waist down to the feet create a wonderful wave. The dance has complex steps and movements where the dancers are required to stand on an earthen pot while simultaneously carrying a bottle on the head which has a lighted lamp placed over it. The skill and dexterity is seen in the rhythmic movements that follow after this. Dressed elegantly in a black pachra and rea and jewellery which look like a set of coins the dancers are a feast for the eyes.

Source- Personal conversation with INTACH, Tripura chapter

Contributed by: Prarthana, CEE Ahmedabad

Hudo Dance

Hudo is a one of the well known of folk dance of Gujarat. It is the folk dance form of Bharwad Tribe, the shepherd community of Gujarat. The idea of the dance originated from sheep fights. The movements of two sheep ramming their heads are duplicated in this dance form. The dancers clap their hands in a forceful and rhythmic manner. Both men and women participate in Hudo Dance. There is also a tradition of selecting their life partners at the end of the dance. In this dance both the men and women of the village participate. The men wear colorful dhotis with embroidered borders, Koti, Traditional cap with colorful frill and they wear silver ornaments like Kadu, Tavij, Kadi and Colorful mala. The women, on the other hand, wear Dark colored Jimy, Kapdu, Odhani and they wear silver jewellery like Long necklace, Sort necklace, Earrings, Chudla, Kadu and Damani.

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