Traditional Dance Forms

Linux Tutorial Click here

Click here for Linux Jobs

Pithoragarh has a rich tradition of dance and art.  The Kumaoni people are fond of folk dances, songs and music.  The local instruments are Bina, Murlia and Hurka.  There are various folk dances which are outstanding in their forms.

(1) Jhora Dance:


This is a most popular dance form of kumaon.  This dance is performed in a group where the participants hold the hands and takes three steps forward and backward with the rhythm of Hurka and song. This dance is performed on the songs like social, religious, love etc.  It is performed in different parts of kumaon with slights variation in the way it is sung, but the steps remain same. 

Jhora Dance

(2) Chhapeli:

This is a colorful dance performed by men.  The dance is performed by couple.  The female carries a mirror in her left hand and a handkerchief in right.  The male ply Hurka keeps it on lefts shoulder.  The other instruments involve in this musical form are Manjira and Flute.  Sometimes male plays the role of female also.  This dance form conveys the love and romance. 

  

(3) Chholiya Dance:

This dance is basically performed in a kumaoni marriage.  It is a sword dance, which come up with a war like music.  The dancer are performed a mock fight with their swords.  It is believed that it provide protection from the demons and evil spirits. The instrument involve in this dance form are Turi, Nagphani, Ransing, dhol, Damau, Nausuriya Murul and Masakbeen.   

Chholiya Dance

(4) Mukhauta Nritya(Mask dance):

This traditional dance is performed with mask of animals.  This dance is basically performed in Hill Jatra festival.  The main character of this festival is Lakhia Bhoot.  The Lakhia bhoot was originated from the jata of Lord Shiva when he was angry on the bhashma of Gauri in the yashkund of her father.

Mukhauta Nritya

(5) Hiran Chittal Nritya:

This dance expresses the link between human and nature.


(6) Hurkiya Baul Nritya:

This dance is performed during paddy and maize cultivation.  The dancers are performed in different fields by the turns.  They narrate the stories of battles.

(7) Chancheri:

This is a group dance in which the dancers are performed in a semi-circulation formation.

(8) Bhotiya Dance:

Bhotiya Dance

This dance is performed basically by Bhotias tribes.  This dance is connected with death ceremonies.  It is believed by the bhotias people that the souls of the dead persons exist in the body of goat and sheep.  They believe by dancing this way the souls can be release for their next birth.

(9) Pandava Dance:

Pandava Dance

Pandava Dance

This dance is performed mainly during Dasehra and Diwali.  It is based on the stories of Mahabharat. A campfire is arranged at the center of field and the dancers are performed around it.