Dance & Music
Melodies of the Mountains
Art is often considered the true expression of an artist’s soul, and for the people of Uttarakhand, their music resonates as a profound reflection of their spirit. In their music, they share a theme appreciating nature’s beauty, expressing love, and honouring the bravery of Uttarakhand’s bygone heroes.
Culture of Uttarakhand is deeply tied to its music.The traditional folk tunes, mainly Kumaoni and Garhwali songs, narrates stories of daily life, celebrations, and the strong connection with nature. The melodies, accompanied by instruments like Dhol, Damau, Bansuri, and Harmonium, create a beautiful symphony that echoes through the hills. Beyond just entertainment, music holds a profound cultural significance in Uttarakhand, becoming a communal celebration during festivals, fostering unity, and a sense of shared identity. Even with modern influences, Uttarakhand’s music stays rooted in tradition, preserving a cultural legacy with timeless resonance.
In recent years, Uttarakhandi folk songs have undergone a transformation. Renowned singers like Gajendra Rana, Narendra Singh Negi, Gopal Babu Goswami, Mohan Upreti, Chander Singh Rahi, among others, have infused generic Indian and global musical instruments into contemporary folk music. Modern themes include geopolitical issues impacting the region, humour, and a nostalgic longing for the hills among the diaspora.
Dance In The Hills
Uttarakhand’s dances reflect a lively mix of styles. Garhwali dances are energetic, telling stories with lively instruments like dhol. Kumaoni dances, on the other hand, are graceful, with softer tones and instruments like the hurka. Garhwal likes stories of bravery, while Kumaon enjoys community and nature. The attire mirrors these differences, colourful for Garhwal and elegant for Kumaon. Each place has special dances like Garhwal’s Langvir Nritya and Kumaon’s Chhapeli, making Uttarakhand’s culture even more interesting.
Uttarakhand has two special dances—Langvir Nritya and Barada Nati, both of which show its rich culture. Langvir Nritya, performed predominantly by men, is an energetic performance that displays agility and strength while telling stories of courage and heroism. In contrast, Barada Nati, an elegant dance performed by women, captures the grace and beauty of the hills with delicate hand movements and rhythmic footwork.
These dances go beyond mere performances; they are living traditions deeply ingrained in the cultural essence of Uttarakhand. Playing a crucial role in religious festivals and significant events, Langvir Nritya and Barada Nati actively contribute to preserving the region’s rich cultural identity.
Barada Nati
Barada Nati is a classic dance from Kumaon, Uttarakhand, celebrated for its simplicity and grace. Primarily performed by women, this dance elegantly expresses Kumaoni culture through delicate movements, traditional attire, and rhythmic footwork. Whether at cultural events, weddings, or festivals, Barada Nati remains a symbol of Kumaon’s cultural richness, embodying the region’s beauty with a touch of simplicity.
Image Source: North Zone Cultural Centre
Langvir Nritya
Langvir Nritya, a mesmerising dance from the Tehri Garhwal region in Uttarakhand, is an acrobatic performance by men. Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of ‘Dhol’ and ‘Damana,’ the dancer climbs a tall bamboo pole, balances on his stomach, and showcases incredible skills with hands and feet. This dance is popular in the Tehri Garhwal region.
Pandav Nritya
Pandav Nritya, associated with the Mahabharata story, is especially popular in the Garhwal region, particularly in Chamoli district and Pauri Garhwal. It involves a simple portrayal of the Mahabharata story through dance and music. This narrative performance is commonly enacted during the festivals of ‘Dussehra’ and Diwali.
Image Source: Ommcom News
Image Source: Ethnography
Bhotiya Tribal Folk Dances
The Bhotiya tribes have unique dances called ‘Dhurang’ and ‘Dhuring,’ associated with death ceremonies. These dances aim to liberate the soul of the deceased, believed to reside in the body of a goat or another animal. The dance shares similarities with the pastorals of Himachal Pradesh and the hunting dance of Nagaland.
Chhopati
Chhopati is a folk dance from Tehri Garhwal District. This inclusive dance involves both men and women, creating beautiful circular and semicircular movements, forming rows by holding onto the back of the person adjacent to them. In the spirited Chhopati dance, a musical exchange about love takes centre stage. Questions about love are asked, swiftly met with fitting answers, creating a delightful dialogue within the dance’s cultural celebration.
Image Source: Rudra Prayag Yttarakhandonline
Chounphula and Jhumeila
From ‘Basant Panchami’ to ‘Sankranti’ or ‘Baisakhi,’ folks in Uttarakhand engage in lively dances like ‘Chounphula’ and ‘Jhumeila.’ While Jhumeila is mostly for women, Chounphula brings everyone together, as men and women dance in groups at night. The upbeat Chounphula folk songs, celebrating nature, add a musical touch to various occasions. These dances, named after the songs, are simple yet joyful expressions of the region’s vibrant culture.
Basanti
In the hills, where life revolves around the weather, the Basanti song marks the shift from winter to spring. Full of joy, this age-old melody mirrors the blossoming flowers in the hills. More than a tune, it’s a hopeful wish for a fruitful harvest. Whether sung alone or in a chorus, the Pahadi community welcomes the lively season with the uplifting notes of Basanti.
Mangal
Mangal songs, associated with auspicious occasions, express joy and gratitude during significant life events like weddings and childbirth. The term “Mangal” denotes auspiciousness, reflecting the positive nature of these songs. In alignment with shastras (ancient Indian scriptures), Mangal songs contribute to the spiritual and ritualistic aspects of auspicious events, invoking positive energy and blessings for a harmonious atmosphere.
Jagar
‘Jaga,’ meaning ‘wake,’ is a traditional song sung by Pahadis in both Kumaon and Garhwal regions. This ritualistic song is a tribute to ancestral spirits, aiming to bring them happiness and tranquillity. It is believed that singing this song awakens dormant deities, and it is performed when seeking justice or offering penance to the gods.
Bajuband
Bajuband is like a special song sung by village women in Devbhumi while they go about their daily tasks. They hum these tunes softly while working in the fields or at home. The songs have beautiful words and sweet rhythms that express different feelings like sadness, love, and excitement. Besides everyday moments, these tunes also pop up during special occasions, adding a touch of tradition to the air.
