Performing arts > Hudo Dance

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.

Traditional Musicals Instruments like Dhol, Dholak, Harmonium, Flute, Kansi, Joda, Manjira are used as accompaniments.

During a meeting and conversation with traditional Hudo artist Ramjibhai Savajibhai Dholakia, of the village Tarnetar, one got to know how according to the village folk are extremely sensitive about this folk dance. He mentioned saying Hudo is not just few steps of dance, it is in their blood and that it is passed on through generations. Ramjibhai had learnt this dance from his fathers.

Tarnetar and surrounding few villages forms the area known as 'Thanga' which is sub-region of the 'Panchal Region' og Gujarat. Ghehava is also an area from Panchal region. Most villages in Thango and Ghehava regions have some youth in each village who know Hudo well. Bharwad, Rabari and Koli community mainly perform this dance. Hudo has its own specific songs and rhythms. Ramjibhai and the youth have formed a group known as 'Shakti Mandali' who performs at various occasions such as marriage, tradional fairs & festivals, Ashadhi beej-holi and other such religious festivals etc. The group is also involved in teaching Hudo to other interested youth from the village.

Contact person: Ramjibhai Savajibhai Dholakia Ph: 97378 04664
Address : Village Tarnetar, Block Chotila, Dist : Surendranagar, Gujarat

Links: www.india9.com

Source: Personal Meeting of Samat Solanki (Halvad) with Ramjibhai, Gujarat tourism

Contributed by: CEE, Halvad Team

Muslin Fabric

This gossamer light muslin fabric has found mention in the writings of many visitors to India, even as far back as the 3rd century B.C. A great deal of muslin was produced in and exported from Bengal. Dacca was the main region where cotton was cultivated due to the high humidity of the region, which prevented the delicate thread from breaking on contact with the air. The cotton spun was very white since the Brahmaputra and the Ganges Rivers have bleaching properties. The chikan workers in Bengal used this fine muslin for embroidery.

Stitches in Chikankari

Double-Star Earring, Peacock Feather's Eye, Sidhual, Makra, Mandarzi, Bulbulchashm, Tajmahal, Phooljali, Phanda, Dhoom, Gol, murri, Janjeera, Keel, Kangan, Bakhia, Dhania Patti, lambi Murri, Kapkapi, Karan Phool, Bijli, Ghaspatti, Rozan, Meharki, Kaj, Chameli, Chane ki Patti, Balda, Jora, Pachni, Tapchim Kauri, Hathkati and Daraj of various types.