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Indian Dances: Folk Dances: Folk Dances of North West India

NORTH WEST FOLK DANCES

Dandiya

Dandiya (Rajasthan):
Dandiya is the folk dance of Rajasthan, which shows the great vigour and joy of the people there. Dressed in colourful costumes these people of the desert play skillfully with big sticks in their hands. The dances are accompanied by the musical instrument called the 'Meddale' played by the drummer in the centre. Ghumer dance, Raika and Jhoria are other dances of the 'Bhils' of Rajasthan. Similar to the Bhils are the Mina tribe who are known for the Gher Dance, while the Garasias are famous for the 'Valar' dance.

Tarpha Nach:
'Tarpha Nach' or 'Pavri Nach' is the dance of the Kokna tribals from the hilly regions of the north-west. These dances get their names from the instruments of 'Tharpa' or 'Pavri', which are wind instruments made of dried gourd, played during the dance. The performers dance in a close formation, holding each other by the waist. The dances are also performed by men alone. They form pyramids or rapidly revolve a dancer round a stout pole.

Tera Tali (Rajasthan):
Tera Tali

Two or three women of the 'Kamar' tribe perform the Tera Tali. They sit on the ground while performing the Tera Tali which is an elaborate ritual with many other rituals in it. Small metal cymbals called Manjiras are tied to different parts of the body, mostly on the legs. The dancers hold cymbals in their hands and strike them in a rhythmic manner. At times the women clench a sword in between their teeth and a decorative pot is balanced on the head. The women cover their head with a veil.