Post on 02-Aug-2016
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@kamlesm Gaurang Katyayan Mishra Page 0
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre,
Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Gaurang Katyayan Mishra 3/10/2016
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org) Page 1
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org) Page 2
I don’t like the use of the word TRIBAL. Very often, I hear people saying tribal art or tribal people with a connotation that they are someone outside of their(our) society. And these people who say so are very much civilized. I somehow do not agree with this. I always had thought that people vary from place to place and so does their culture/civilization. Till recently we the people living in this part of world were called as junglee and that’s why we were called as “Indian”. Only in 1947 we got an independent name and identity!. The English Dictionary tells many things about the word Indian, Tribe, Tribal.
When I read in the Daily Telegrams a newspaper of Andaman Nicobar Islands that this Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & theatre is going to be organised at Port Blair from 26th to 28th February 2016 at ITF ground I was elated. This festival is named as ADIVASI ADIBIMB. The thing which got my attention was the name NSD written on the top. All old memories came alive. From 1992 to 1996 I was in Delhi University. Before that at IIT Kanpur I got to know many things about NSD. NSD experiment team as I call it came to IIT Kanpur also. They performed a theatre work combining the Tamasha and laavani styles. Since in those days NSD was experimenting and I should say reviving all the traditional NATYA traditions across India. They had brought an original laavani singer who was almost 60 years old. Wearing blue 9 yard sari in typical Maharastrian style she was looking most gorgeous. The drama
was staged in such a way that all the traditional original elements of ukV~; Natya were used, the dress- vgk;Z Aharya, the music that was original Natya or Tamasha and accompanying dances of
Here name is written. I had to phone
few people to get this invitation card.
Inspite of the fact that people knew
about my dancing skills and they
remember me for that only.
It was shame for me to ask for such
card. I could have gone to see this fest,
as it was free to all. But to see Shri
Ratan Thiyam ji I had to do this.
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org) Page 3
laavani of Maharastra. It was staged at hall L7. That time it was the only hall for such activities. I know the Natya Sangeet as it is called has a deep and rich tradition in Maharastra. Abhang etc are elements from there.
I could not resist myself from attending this fest, more so when I heard Shri Ratan Thiyam ji himself was coming. His name needs no introduction; He is like a Demi God for students of arts. Most respected name among the theatre personalities of India today. He has earned International fame. He has created many new “Norms” himself. Using Traditional elements of Theatre –Natya, classical Sanskrit theatre, mostly famed for Kalidas created dramas, He has created idioms of himself. He has utilized the Manipuri dance elements, Martial arts, Thang Ta, Pung or Pong Cholam, Lai Horaiba and there are many more, about which I really don’t know. Manipur also has rich traditional elements of dance and music often as it happens everywhere in India these revolved around the Religious activities. But Ratan Thiyam ji has utilized all these elements in his theatre works. The stage craft is full of all these, the costumes, the music, the set design, the dialogue are in Manipuri and often in Sanskrit verses.
Festival of Tribal dance, Music & Theatre 2016:
NSD has been organising such festivals across India to promote and revitalise the tribal traditional music, dance & theatre and I should say that through it whole art gets revitalized.
Previous festivals I could not attend. But when, such an event of NATIONAL level is being organised at Port Blair I thought to attend. Not many such National level events are organised at Port Blair which a remotest part of India. Not like North East. Andaman Nicobar Islands is cut off in deep sea of Bay of Bengal, it is this distance that keeps it cut off from many national level events. Only through TV and internet we now know many things. As the information exchange takes place almost instantly due to TV/Cable and/or Internet connectivity. Sometimes one dreams that why Cricket tournament of national or International cannot be held at Port Blair?? Or IPL match occasionally can happen here. Then I do think “are we ready at Port Blair” or Is Port Blair ready for such international tournament? It requires lot of Infrastructure and management. Will Port Blair be able to handle such movement of people? Hotels, Water, food, pollution control, law and order control all will come to fore.
Every year Islands Tourism Festival is organised at Port Blair and it has been very successful, I mean it has been successfully been managed by the departments/agencies at Port Blair. But it has not been studied that how much movement of people takes place at Port Blair due to ITF?
Function/Festival vkfnfcEcvkfnfcEcvkfnfcEcvkfnfcEc Adibimb started by lighting the lamp. The director, NSD welcomed everybody. Shri Ratan Thiyam presided as the Chairman of NSD, Chief Secretary, Secretary(Art) along with Shri Jain graced the occasion.
I was totally in awe of Shri Ratan Thiyam ji, My eyes were searching for him. I was lucky enough and by grace of god that I got the chair just behind the Ratan Thiyam ji. I was sitting so close to Ratan Thiyam ji. I considered myself fortunate. I also thought if this program would have organised in the Kamani Auditorium then I could never have sat so close to him.
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra
It was announced that the set designing was
Let anyone from Port Blair claim otherwise whatever I have said.
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org)
set designing was conceptualised by Shri Ratan Thiyam Ji himself. That’s why I must say exhibition ground area was transformed into a different world.
On entering the ITF ground, the Gate was so beautiful grand and full of creativity. All motifimmaculately designed. They were telling about their Ratan Thiyam ji.
I had never seen ITF gatdecorated in many years
It was only magic of SThiyam ji that it has transformed so beautifully.
et anyone from Port Blair claim otherwise whatever I have said.
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Page 4
by Shri Ratan Thiyam Ji himself. I must say the whole
exhibition ground area was transformed a different world.
On entering the ITF ground, the Gate was so beautiful grand and full of creativity. All motifs were very immaculately designed. They were telling about their creator- i.e. Shri Ratan Thiyam ji.
ITF gate so beautifully decorated in many years.
It was only magic of Shri Ratan Thiyam ji that it has transformed so
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org) Page 5
When I entered the gate I could not believe what I was seeing. (seeing is believing?) I was lost a little bit at first. In all directions magnificent panels were in view. I started to think from where I should start watching?
There were so many such panels.
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org) Page 6
In the Tribal festival there were three aspects. Music, Dance and Theatre as the
name of festival itself suggested. In the ITF ground in the decorated complex
there were three large stages. All were very beautifully designed. The stage for
Dance was grand and most prominent. It was decorated like a master piece of
art itself. (below pic)
The stage for music programs was decorated like a boat or a boat house. Some elements were taken from tribal huts..
In front of this hut a beautiful boat was erected with very fine patterns.
lkfgR; lxhr dyk are the
three elements which are
required to be present in
Human or he must be
aware of these things
otherwise there is no
difference between a
human or e`xk’pjUrh the
mrig (Deer) that is
animal?? That was a
saying in Sanskrit. Do we
follow these days?
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra
Here is the pic I clicked from my smart phone. Shri Ratan Thiyam ji delivered the key speech at
inauguration of the Tribal Festival. He also said that as per policy and ambition of NSD for promoting theatre lots of things to be done. He requested that one drama or theatre school should be established in each District, on the lines of NSD. So that each of these activities promoting theatre in their respective districts
At first Shri Waman Kendre, Director, NSDimmediately recognised him as very recently I had seen his interview on DD National, he had elaborated his objective & vision about NSD and theatre scene in India.Secretary also spoke. Later Shri Ratan Thiyam ji delivered key note address. When he was saying that one theatre school should be established in each district
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org)
Here is the pic I clicked from my smart phone. Shri Ratan Thiyam ji delivered the key speech at
of the Tribal Festival. He also said that as per policy and ambition of NSD for promoting theatre lots of things to be done. He requested that one drama or theatre school should be established in each District, on the lines of NSD. So that each of these activities promoting theatre in their respective districts
Kendre, Director, NSD welcomed everybody. When I saw him on stage I immediately recognised him as very recently I had seen his interview on DD National, he had elaborated his objective & vision about NSD and theatre scene in India.ecretary also spoke. Later Shri Ratan Thiyam ji delivered key note address. When he was
saying that one theatre school should be established in each district that time I was imagining myself working in one of such school. Teaching and performing!!!! I am a dreamer and dream only.
What is role of theatre. What is role of arts as such in our life? I often think. I have often coquestions when I was running after my dream to become a DANCER. Everyone in my locality knew me only as a dancer. (read the undertone- that- I was not a human being) my class mates, neighbourhood etc all were very idea of my being a dancer and being a boy?
But art is a part of our culture. When professors from Maharastra celebrated their festivals their women folk would drape themselves in long sarees, decorated with
@kamlesm G katyan mishra
@kamlesm G katyan mishra
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Page 7
Here is the pic I clicked from my smart phone. Shri Ratan Thiyam ji delivered the key speech at
of the Tribal Festival. He also said that as per policy and ambition of NSD for promoting theatre lots of things to be done. He requested that one drama or theatre school should be established in each District, on the lines of NSD. So that each of these schools may take up
elcomed everybody. When I saw him on stage I immediately recognised him as very recently I had seen his interview on DD National, wherein he had elaborated his objective & vision about NSD and theatre scene in India. Then Chief ecretary also spoke. Later Shri Ratan Thiyam ji delivered key note address. When he was
that time I was imagining myself working in one of such school. Teaching and
!!!! I am a dreamer and dream only.
What is role of theatre. What is role of arts as such in our ? I often think. I have often come across with such
I was running after my dream to become a DANCER. Everyone in my locality knew me only as a
I was not a human being) all were hostile to the
very idea of my being a dancer and being a boy?
But art is a part of our culture. When professors from Maharastra celebrated their festivals their women folk
in long sarees, decorated with
@kamlesm G katyan mishra
@kamlesm G katyan mishra
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org) Page 8
Marathi ornaments. Professors from Tamil Nadu or South India do same. They wore lungi, women decorated with typical ornaments flower etc on Onam, Pongal, Ugadi etc. Bengali people were easy to identify with their typical red and white saree and big large sindoor bindi and sindoor khela etc. Thus adopting their cultural identities they themselves proclaimed at Kanpur that they are different from Kanpur people. One IIT Professor was dressed in white dhoti typical of Tamil Nadu when Sankaracharya of nowdays PujyaShri Jayendra Saraswati ji came to IIT. I mean there are many ways by which we identify ourselves with our roots, community, village, ancestor’s symbols etc. Thus “Tribal” community as we call them also have some cultural things typical of themselves.
Since Morning to night we all use some or the other kind of ritual which we have learnt from our ancestors. Getting up in morning then touching feet, singing Bhajans (best example is bhajan in houses in mornings sung by MS-Suprahatam), offer water to the SUN and Tulsi, wear something which identify with our community, eat food which belong to our community, we speak language which we have learnt from our parents, ancestor etc.
Similarly tribal group has their own art, culture etc. recently heard that a world millionaire gave a party at a hotel where who is who of world attended. That is also a ritual of those very people to show off or to proclaim that they have married their daughter. Similar way “Santhal” or to that matter any tribal or non-tribal community follow certain rituals in weddings. But weddings and religious occasions are the occasions where we follow our rich traditions and we express joy by just engaging in Dance and Music
Few years back no one was in knowledge of the works of tribals of Chatisgarh but today lots of people buy the metal works being sold in name of those tribal. International Trade Fair, Crafts council outlets, Delhi Haat and now renewed DD Bharati etc have provided platform to tribal arts. Manav Sangrahalay, Bhopal, few art centres like NCPA, IGNCA etc have also kindled it. Therefore when i heard that NSD is organising this festival i was surprised, as to how anyone be interested in Tribal arts from NSD. But when i read the name of Shri Ratan Thiyam ji then i got to read the unwritten things.
But i think with this Festival of Tribal Dance, Music and Theatre concept lot of activities will come up. Theatre encompasses several “dhara” streams which flow parallel to each other but do not exist without each one. When, we add “Folk” that translates into something with tribal undertone. But still village or rural (gentry) do not consider that folk word consists tribal also.!!! Thus there is need to address it separately as “Tribal”, till dictionary mingles down and put folk with tribal?? (may be in our Indian context?).
I am a blind Bhakt of Ratan Thiyam ji. Whatever he does is “best” as far as i am concerned. At Port Blair nothing of this scale and of this type has ever happened. This Tribal Festival by NSD offered an unmemorable experience to the Port Blairians. Also through this festival we and all tribal groups across India mingle together and share experiences. They get to know the outside world which they never get to see when they are in their villages. NSD and Shri Ratan Thiyam Ji are doing commendable work by organising such festival and this will serve the purpose of bringing Tribal arts in the world stage. We are all actually tribals or a tribe first!!
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra
DEURI BIHU DANCE, ASSAMThe most famous Bihu dance was perfmostly known to be settled on the bank of Kundil river in Assam. Attire was traditional the men and women equally took part in dancing and singing. The mekhla and dhoti as I know were the dress. This dance has high level of energy. Those witnessinside them.
with its ever inviting beats of drums and spirited movements remains the most memorable.
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org)
DEURI BIHU DANCE, ASSAM The most famous Bihu dance was performed. However, this was by Deuri or Deorimostly known to be settled on the bank of Kundil river in Assam. Attire was traditional the men and women equally took part in dancing and singing. The mekhla and dhoti as I know were the dress. This dance has high level of energy. Those witnessing this dance feel the energy flowing
I remember Assam for high hills, warriors, Lachit Burphukan, Bodoland, AGP Andolan, gardens, land of LOHIT and most famous Bhupen Hazsaw the TV serial Doordarshan named as Lohit Kinare.
with its ever inviting beats of drums and spirited movements remains the most memorable.The usual dress which I remember was with red motifs of flowers etc on backgrounstage I found different colour. It was looking like black or purple type and red colour
were more dominant. The Bihu has most extraordinary hip movements. With accompanying drums and manjeera(cymbal) beats whole stage came alive.
In the picture on right I clicked sitting behind Shri Ratan Thiyam ji, in this frame he is witnessing the Bihu dance on stage.
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Page 9
. However, this was by Deuri or Deori community mostly known to be settled on the bank of Kundil river in Assam. Attire was traditional the men and women equally took part in dancing and singing. The mekhla and dhoti as I know were the
ing this dance feel the energy flowing
I remember Assam for high hills, Ahom warriors, Lachit Burphukan, Bodoland, AGP Andolan, tea gardens, land of LOHIT and most famous Bhupen Hazarika ji. I saw the TV serial on Doordarshan named as Lohit Kinare. But BIHU
with its ever inviting beats of drums and spirited movements remains the most memorable. The usual dress which I remember was with red motifs of flowers etc on white background. But that day on stage I found different colour. It was looking like black or purple type and red colour
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra
Chakri dance I was thinking about
word Chakkar or pdpdpdpdz. That means circling or cirlce. Chakri dance as it is known today is famous
dance from Rajasthan. The Kanjar tribe women do this dancefestivals or wedding. Dancers do spinning movements that are called chakkars.the nagara are the prominent accompanying instruments.listen to the dholak. Its beats are so powefull that they overtake one’s mind and it
group of almost ten women came on stachakkar means cricling on the beats. The dress was the usual or typical to the Rajasthan. While swirling the skirt moved along the circle. The lady who was the singer for the group had a powerfull and full throated voice.
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org)
I was thinking about the word Chakri or is it Charkhi? it is derived from
That means circling or cirlce. Chakri dance as it is known today is famous
dance from Rajasthan. The Kanjar tribe women do this dance. It is usually performed on joyous Dancers do spinning movements that are called chakkars.
the nagara are the prominent accompanying instruments. I am unable to control myself when I listen to the dholak. Its beats are so powefull that they overtake one’s mind and it
group of almost ten women came on stage and started dancing with vigour. They were taking chakkar means cricling on the beats. The dress was the usual or typical to the Rajasthan. While swirling the skirt moved along the circle. The lady who was the singer for the group had a
ll throated voice.
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Page 10
khi? it is derived from
That means circling or cirlce. Chakri dance as it is known today is famous
. It is usually performed on joyous Dancers do spinning movements that are called chakkars. Dholak and/or
I am unable to control myself when I listen to the dholak. Its beats are so powefull that they overtake one’s mind and it looses control
over body. The dancers can understand the power of percussion (drums). Either it is a dholak, or mrindang or pakhawaj.
Thus as soon as the first beat strikes on the dholak the body starts revolving. A
ge and started dancing with vigour. They were taking chakkar means cricling on the beats. The dress was the usual or typical to the Rajasthan. While swirling the skirt moved along the circle. The lady who was the singer for the group had a
ll throated voice.
here Ratan Thiyam ji is in the frame when Chakri dance was being performed at stage.
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra
Such dance is largely depends on the right kind of beats as is provided by DHOLAK.
Also the voice which provides the song to ears, through which a dancer is guided.
With beats of dholak dancers flows into the air or space but with music or the song or
voice dancer gets a path on which it dances further. In the group dance like chakri not
much meaning is depicted or any story as such is shown.
But here they had shown a story interwoven with songs. The male dholak player goes
in side group to seduce women and there he recieves quite a treatment on his flirting
attempts which often create somekind of comedy also. As the
hip bone or the waist is damaged while the women had tug of war kind of thing with
him.
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org)
Such dance is largely depends on the right kind of beats as is provided by DHOLAK.
Also the voice which provides the song to ears, through which a dancer is guided.
With beats of dholak dancers flows into the air or space but with music or the song or
ice dancer gets a path on which it dances further. In the group dance like chakri not
much meaning is depicted or any story as such is shown.
But here they had shown a story interwoven with songs. The male dholak player goes
in side group to seduce women and there he recieves quite a treatment on his flirting
attempts which often create somekind of comedy also. As the male portrays how his
hip bone or the waist is damaged while the women had tug of war kind of thing with
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Page 11
Such dance is largely depends on the right kind of beats as is provided by DHOLAK.
Also the voice which provides the song to ears, through which a dancer is guided.
With beats of dholak dancers flows into the air or space but with music or the song or
ice dancer gets a path on which it dances further. In the group dance like chakri not
But here they had shown a story interwoven with songs. The male dholak player goes
in side group to seduce women and there he recieves quite a treatment on his flirting
male portrays how his
hip bone or the waist is damaged while the women had tug of war kind of thing with
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra
The star of this chakri dance was this beautifull singer with her full throated voice she sang many famous rajasthani songs.
All were very beatifully dressed in their traditional dress. The colorfull pagadi of men and clolorfull chunri of women compliemented and created a colorfull environment on stage. That reminded me of colorfull Rangilo Maharo Rajasthan.
And it is correct to say that seeing is believiwitness these dance performanceshave witnessed performances of Manganiar, Langa etc There has been many programs on Doordarshan and I had seen them in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi at ITF International Trade Fair, Bal Bhawan etc.
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org)
The star of this chakri dance was this beautifull singer with her full throated voice she sang many famous rajasthani songs.
All were very beatifully dressed in colorfull
pagadi of men and clolorfull chunri of women compliemented and created a colorfull environment on stage. That reminded me of colorfull Rangilo Maharo
And it is correct to say that seeing is believing. Until and unless you yourself do not listen and performances no one can describe in words about the magic the
have witnessed performances of Manganiar, Langa etc There has been many programs on them in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi at ITF International Trade Fair,
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Page 12
ng. Until and unless you yourself do not listen and no one can describe in words about the magic they create. I
have witnessed performances of Manganiar, Langa etc There has been many programs on them in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi at ITF International Trade Fair,
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra
These are few Chakri Dancepictures held on 27-2-2016 at ITF ground Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org)
These are few Chakri Dance 2016 at ITF
ground Port Blair, Andaman and
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
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Page 13
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org) Page 14
SANTHAL DANCE, WEST BENGAL
Birbhum district is said
to be area of Santhal
tribe people. There are
few dance forms and
have names associated
with the occasions or
festivals SOHORAI,
BAHA, KARAM DONG
etc.
SOHORAI seems to be
most popular festival. BAHA is spring festival. DONG and DOMONG are the
dances on Marriages. SOHORAI is performed in month of PAUS (Dec-Jan).
Main dance is synchronized rhythmic movements of female dancers.
Together the group
of women holding
hands in hands
take steps in
synchronization.
That depicts the
togetherness of the
community. Dhol,
nagara etc are
played by men.
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org)
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
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Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org) Page 16
KAREN DANCE
This is a beautifull picture. But the stage design, colours, lightening and artists
make it beautiful. More so when we know that the designing of this stage etc
was done under the direct guidance of Shri Ratan Thiyam Ji.
These are Karen people performing their songs. I think for the first time I have
seen Karen Boys and girls performing on national stage with such vigour. Or is
it that since I had not seen any of such other national level tribal fest? But
surely it was a very well organised Karen song. I think present day young
educated boys and girls of Karen and Nicobaree communities are becoming
aware about the value of their folk traditions(read culture). They have interest
to adorn their traditional dresses and perform their traditional dance & songs.
That interest should be encouraged and conserved.
Karen tribal community is settled in few pockets of A& N Islands that is in
Mayabunder and Rangat Tehsils of North & Middle Andaman District.
Karmatang, Webi, Pahalgaon etc and one place itself known as Karen Basti in
Mayabunder. They are very beautifull, as they are fair coloured. Red, blue, pink
colours were mostly used in their dress. Their Language is known as Karen.
These tribal community is said to have come from Burma (Myanmar) as for
previous century this island territory was connected with Burma through sea
route to Rangoon(!!) and we know that it was unified British colony of India and
Burma.
KAREN
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org) Page 17
When they performed this bamboo dance it reminded me of the Mizoram. From
there also we see many dances using bamboo or sticks. Making different
patterns they skip over the bamboo, which are managed and controlled by
other group members while sitting. Bamboo provide the beat also to the dance.
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
@kamlesm G Katyan Mishra
Festival of Tribal Dance, Music & Theatre, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
@kamlesm by Gaurang Katyayan Mishra (gmisra@iitkalumni.org) Page 18
NICOBARI Dance
Nicobarese tribal community settled in Nicobar District of A & N Islands and at
HarminderBay in Little Andaman Tehsil which is in South Andaman District.
Like every human community Nicobari people also express their happiness
through Dance, as Dance is the most common activity through which festivities
are expressed. Their language is known as Nicobari. Looking at their attire they
look more akin to South East Asia. Burma, Thailand etc. The women of both
Karen and Nicobarese community wear long skirt type dress, which it seems is
wrapped around waist instead of the lehgna which is tied around waist.
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The colours and patterns on cloths differed in both groups. Karen had strips
and Nicobari had mostly plain cloths. Men of Karen group were seen wearing a
lungi type of thing whereas Nicobarese Men were wearing short skirt type made
of some Leaves and it was above to the knees. Women in both communities
wore long length cloths covering whole of the legs. Thus gender differences
were evident in dress.
There was a scheme in education department for conservation of tribal culture?
One day I was in the room of a top officer in education dept. I saw one
document, on that there was a handwritten note by one Secretary(education). It
was something like “Ask Mishra to discuss with me about this”. The then
Secretary(Education) knew that I know classical dance. Thus he might have
thought to involve me in the promotion of tribal arts(culture). That time I was
only a group B officer. On that last day of that officer in office I came to know
about the true colour of that person. How can I blame him? I don’t know the
actual truth behind it? But only those hand written words which I read after
three years they were written compelled me to think about myself.
When I am not doing anything wrong I am happy. Government has lots of good
schemes, problem comes in implementation. People who are working in
departments do not take it seriously. Many times they are not sensitive enough
towards art and culture. I have seen many officials in Delhi, in public gaze they
talk nicely but once behind the closed doors they do not talk good for dance or
dancers. They still treat dancers with a difference. Even for dancers who dance
at Kamani Auditorium, Triveni, FICCI and Sirifort etc. Treatment towards the
folk artist is beyond words? Cannot explain in words. I grew up in campus of
one of the IIT and I know how it feels. On knowing that I am a dancer how
people change their behaviour, I have noticed all in their eyes. I grew up
understanding people’s perception and their Bhaav through their eyes.
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GHUMRA, BAJASHAl, BANABADI of ODISHA and GUDUM BAJA, Madhya Pradesh
Shri Ratan Thiyam watching dance
This dance is just like a victory dance. Percussion instruments were played
Dhol, GHUMRA, TAAL, MADAL, MOHURI, TASA, NISHAN so many are there.
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Ghumura, BAJASHAL and BANABADI are few folk dances from Odisha. As it
was told all these are performed in Kalahandi district of Odisha. I remember
Kalahandi for drought and Hunger like situations. I used to read about sad
news from this part. But to see the folk dance from this area was an exciting
experience for me. When group performed I saw them with different types of
instruments-many types of drums-all percussion instruments. They wore
decorated head gears also. Nagara type of instrument was also there.
This dance
originally reflects
the Heroic dance
or victory dance,
but largely it has
the elements of
Veer Ras. Earlier
the dance was
done during the
war times,
therefore it could
have been called
as a war dance. But now this folk dance is performed at social occasions, at
marriages.
GUDUM BAJA DANCE from Madhya Pradesh
Gudum baja is folk dance of Ghasiya Tribal community found in Baghelkhand
of MP
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Ghasiya dance is also the name given to it as it is done by this tribe. It is
performed in Chattisgarh & odisha, as we know that geographical boundaries
have been changed over time. But people and community continue to live,
migrate here and there.
Performers play different instruments.
They carry instruments tied to the
waist or as per their convenience. I
saw two/three main performers in the
group. They were playing drum that
was looking similar to the “nagada”.
The duo performed various acrobatics
while playing the drums. This dance
was also seemed like a ritual or war
dance.
A group of ten to 15 people were
performing together and playing
instruments, even I saw two persons
with sticks only.
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Two drummers were performing acrobatic. While playing the drums and with
the beats they were taking summersault together. Drums were tied to their
waist. It was very difficult act. But due to the grace of God they performed and
played the drums very well. Mostly the dance was celebration of Joy.
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CHAU-SERAIKELLA and KHARSAWAN DANCE from JHARKHAND
Saraikela Chau Dance is one of the famous
dance performed in the eastern sates of
Odisha, Jharkhand. Human mask are
used while dancing. It requires stamina to
keep pace with the beats. In dance they
portray the deity worship, daily life scenes.
Some rituals are enacted. Most
surprising thing was the emotive
masks. Though they were mask only
but dancers use their
gestures to emote. Some
were marriage rituals.
The deity, pooja and step
by step all those rituals
are enacted on stage.
While we were not able to
see the actual faces of
dancers. But we could
easily understand all
what was being enacted.
It was due to expert
practice of dancers.
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Masks often can be considered an hinderance to a modern day dancer, but not to these dancers who are gounded in their culture.
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Big eyes on these Masks were most
emotive as far as I could see. These
eyes and gesture portrayed
emotions
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KHARSAWAN CHAU DANCE, JHARKHAND
This dance is performed by the Tribal people. Often the subject or story line in
these dances is from Hunting and Harvesting episodes. In this dance they have
peculiar makeup but they do not wear masks. Since they depict hunting scenes
therefore require
physical stamina.
The Dhol, sehnai
nagara type of
instruments are
played.
The story enacted
was something like
few men have a kind
of bet to go to the
hunt. They pick up
the bows and
arrows. While in
forest they search
for animals. Then they hunt them and when they are successful in their
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hunting episode then their female counterpart come and dance together to
enjoy the hunt. Or something like where male suitors display their hunting
skill and in return win hand of lady. This was what I understood. The dancers
used there body to portray the emotions with their gait and gestures. Faces
were mostly remained static. However, the typical makeup provided rest of
Bhaav.
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The sound of Nagara, Dhol and Sehnai create a magic. With loud sound beats
or Taal also becomes very catchy.
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NAGA Dance from MANIPUR
Shri Ratan Thiyam ji watching Naga dance of Manipur.
When I
heard the word NAGA, I was little confused but later it was announced that it
is from Manipur. I thought since many Naga Tribes reside in Manipur may be it
is one of these tribes. But Later it was clarified that it is KABUI NAGA folk
dance of Manipur. Kabui is a tribe called as Rongmei inhabit the North East
India.
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This dance reminds me of Thang Ta of Manipur. This Kabui Naga dance is also
full of energy like Thang Ta. It requires lots of strength. Youth having stamina
can only perform this dance. They wear exquisite costumes. Dark rich pattern
of Red Black colour adorn their cloths. I presume these were woven by
themselves. Three dances are there and called Shim Laam, Kit Laam and Ga-
Laam. Laam means dance in their language. Rhythmic dance mostly imitate
the movements of either flying insect called Tajuibon or cricket or Crab etc.
while looking at this energetic Naga dance from Manipur, I was reminded of
Manipur Dance academy program telecasted on Doordarshan about a story of
Deer, the Famous Sangai deer of Loktak Lake of Manipur.
Shri Ratan Thiyam ji watching Naga dance of Manipur.
Rhythmic movements
from slow to fast speed
reach climax. dancers
danced with
syncrocnization. The
team of musician was
equally participating
with movements. Their
body was swaying with
with music and Looking
at them I could not
decide as whom to
watch the group of
dancers or the team of musicians.
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I mean the team of muscian was also involved in the process of dance, totally
immersed in the “Ras” of dance. That the spirit we require in every
perfroemance. That makes it a successful performance. Our Guru always have
taught that when you feel joy inside yourself while dancing then only you can
think that onlookers will also enjoy your dance.
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I loved the singers of the group especially ladies, all of them were equally
participating in the performance. It was hard for me to click as I tried to focus
but they were swinging and thus picture became hazy every time. I am not Shri
Pasricha or Rai???
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RATHWA Dance, GUJARAT
Rathwa. Rathwa is adivasi group or a sub-group of Koli found in GUJRAT &Maharastra
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The dance presented by the adivasi koli-rathwa or Rathwa-Baria. They speak dialect called Rathwi. These communties are said to be have migrated from Madhya Pradesh. I have seen several dances from Gujrat. I know about the academy KADAMB established by Most famous Mrinalini Sarabhai at Ahmedabad. they train in folkdances of Gujrat. Dandia, Ghoomar. One dance shown in film-Saraswatichand, Star was Nutan. The dance done by the road construction workers,
in that ladies dance with the stick used in thumping road/mud. But all such dances are full of energy. Lot of physical exercise is required.
In this Rathwa men and women had some extra energy, as they performed many acrobatics. Many formations were shown. Two or three tier human structure were formed. All such require stamina from women. But in the end they made a Rath type of formation and together they moved to portray a moving Chariot. Is it due to this Rath formation this dance is called as Rathwa? If this is so then lot of research and study has to be done to know as to how these Adivasis know about a Rath(chariot)? If this is a tribal dance then this group must be doing this dance since ages. How come these tribal group living in Madhyapradesh know about RATH-Chariot? Or is it idea of some cultural activist? There are many, Who try to influence Tribal thinking process and any such cultural activist must have suggested this formation of Rath(Chariot) to these tribal group. I realy don’t know? Most of the names of dancers were Bhai or Ben, I thought if they are tribal then how come their names are with Ben? Or is it the due to continous living in Gujrat they have adopted local culture.
Dress was in bright colours, males wore white dhoti. In waist some colourfull band was tied. Females wore “kanch” dhoti, may be since they performing acrobatics. Hankerchief/scarfs were held in hands both by men and women.
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At the ITF ground on 27-2-2016, I saw many persons who are very much visible at such scences I mean whenever such Tribal Dance or festivals are organised they are seen at those spots, be it Tiveni or anywhere. They reach there. They are scholars either working in NSD, free lance reportors, Researchers, Media people etc. AT Port Blair also few of them reached but not in large nucmbers. I think due to the remote ness of these islands inhibited them to come over here. If a flight chartered for this purpose could have been arranged then all those surely would have landed at Port Blair. I think this “Remoteness” TAG has to be removed. I know it is a difficult task but something on this has to be worked out. In Delhi few people fly from Chaenai and Mumbai for such functions. But they are seriuos type buffs.
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Rathwa
Rathwa
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In the sidelines of this festival of dance and music there was a seminar, discussion (whatever you may call it) held. Many speakers presented their papers on topics related to the triabal and their arts. It was held in the Auditorium of Anthropological Survey of India building at Port Blair. In New Delhi many such seminars have been held either at ICC or IHC or ICCR’s auditorium near ITO, FICCI or Triveni’s etc Most Respected Kapila Vatsyayan ji have many times spoken on arts on Doordarshan.
I did not attend the Rang mahotsav organised by NSD at Delhi, but in same lanes I did visit regulalry Kamani Auditorium or Triveni or Shri Ram Bhartiya etc for Sahradotsav of Kathak. But I do remember Sanjana Kapoor when she revived the Rang utsav at IPTA in Bombay many years back. I have also seen many production of NSD on traditional theatre such as. Natya/Tamasha from Maharstra. I liked the works of Shri Habib Tanveer with his nayatheatre where lot of tribal or common men were involved in his works. (Agra bazaar??) I saw on Doordarshan. I do remember the theatre works telecasted on black and white doordarshan credited to the DDK Jalandhar and few were from Lucknow. Now one of the famous face which I remember is of one who plays great lady of Balika Badhu, she has always played various roles on TV which I have seen way back in 1980s. From Lucknow Shri Shambhu Mishra ji.
But here in this seminar also people get to share their expereince, as was happened on 28-2-16. Hall was full with artists who came to Port Blair with NSD team. Very few persons from Port Blair were there. there was powerpoint presentation on tribal issues. Assam was covered. Later Mr Francis told the gathering via PPT about the tribal groups in Andaman Nicobar Islands. Few of the tribal artists were asked to speek about their experiences and tell about their community, dance, or culture.
Later three day festival ended. It will be a immemorable event in my life.
I got so near to Shri Ratan Thiyam Ji, I sat exactly behind his chair in ITF ground. I cannot describe in words about those moments.