India is a country with a diverse culture. India “is characterized by multiple religions such as Jainism, Sikhism, Bahai Faith, and Buddhism” (“Indian Culture” par. 6). The people of India use over 400 languages. The women of the country wear colorful saris. Indian men wear clothes known as kurtas. Men also wear sherwani whenever they have special occasions.
This is a long coat buttoned from the collar to the knees. India has “several customs and traditional practices” (“Indian Culture” par. 3). Diwali is one of the major festivals in the country. India has become a famous nation because of its elegant architectural designs. The Taj Mahal is a good example of the country’s architecture.
According to Narayan (29), “India is a nation with a rich tradition of both non-classical and classical dance”. Group dancing is a common practice in the country. Some of the common traditional dances include Kachupudi, Kathakali, Kathak, Bharatanatym, and Mohiniyattam.
Natya (also called acting) is a common concept in this nation. The concept “encompasses both dance and drama” (Narayan 30). Group dancing is “a unique aspect of the country’s culture” (“Rajasthan Dances” par. 3). The above group dances always attract millions of tourists from different parts of the world.
Rajasthan is one of the most populous states in India. The state has over 30 administrative districts. This Indian state produces some of the best folk dances. These folk dances are significant because they support the people’s traditions, practices, and customs. This single fact explains why such dances are spectacular.
Most of the “individuals engaged in these dances follow their religious values and traditions” (“Rajasthan Dances” par. 5). This practice makes these dances admirable and beautiful.
The dancers and spectators wear colorful attires. The practice makes these dances meaningful to many people from different parts of the world. The performers use daring movements and expressions in order to make their dances more beautiful (Narayan 87).
The “first group dance embraced by the people of Rajasthan is Kalbelia” (Sinha 29). The people of Kalbelia are snake charmers. Kalbelia dance borrows a lot from the movements of various snakes. The people of Kalbelia use black costumes in order to make the dance more enjoyable.
The “performers produce the best music from an instrument called the Been” (Kumar 49). The people also use the instrument to charm different snakes. Ghoomar dance is also common in the region. This dance is common among many Indian women. Every woman usually covers her face using a long veil.
Graceful and flexible body movements characterize Chari dance. This spectacular dance is common whenever there are celebrations. This “group dance requires a lot of patience, training, and skill” (Kumar 64). The performers place pots on their heads.
The people of Rajasthan also embrace the dance whenever a new child is born. Fire dance is another common ballet in this region (Kumar 64). The dancers usually hold fire rods in their hands. This dance requires a lot of professionalism and dedication.
Kacchi-Ghodi is another common dance in Rajasthan. The dance is common whenever there are gay ceremonies or occasions. The performers use elaborate dresses to make the music enjoyable. Another common dance is Terah Taal. The “dancers place brass discs on their foreheads, hands, and legs” (Sinha 95). Some other common dances in the region include Jhoria, Matka-bhawai, and Kathputli (“Rajasthan Dances” par. 6).
Works Cited
Indian Culture 2014. Web.
Kumar, Amrita. Journeys Through Rajasthan. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2010. Print.
Narayan, Shovana. The Sterling Book of Indian Classical Dances. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2011. Print.
Rajasthan Dances 2014. Web. <http://rajasthan.thecolorsofindia.com/culture/dances.html>
Sinha, Aakriti. Let’s Know Dances of India. New Delhi: Star Publications, 2006. Print.