In this episode, we talk about the Union Territories of India and their specific folk dances. Having their own rich culture, these folk dances are a pleasure to watch. 

 

Jammu Kashmir is very famous for its beauty. The folk dance of Kashmir has much variety but one we want to talk about is known as Dumhal. This dance is performed by the Watal tribe and generally only the Wattal tribe men are privileged to perform this dance wearing long, colorful robes and tall, conical caps, studded with beads and shells. 

 

Ladakh has its folk dance known as Jabro dance which is in fact influenced from Tibet. It is performed by the nomadic people of Tibetan origin living in the high hills. Melodious songs are characteristic of Jabro, in which both males and females participate. Dancers face each other and form circles or rows. They move forwards and backwards hand in hand while singing beautiful songs. 

 

The folk dance of Daman & Diu is Vira dance which is usually only performed on special occasions. It is done in couples without holding hands and has got a lot of Portuguese influence in it. 

 

Dadra & Nagar Haveli is famous for its Tarpa dance. Performed by both men and women in the harvest season at night. Tapra is also a musical instrument which is played and is followed by body movement in this dance form. 

 

Pondicherry is famous for folk dance Garradi. Not restricted to any festival, this dance can be performed on any occasion and is based on mythology – to celebrate the victory of Lord Rama over demon king Ravana. Males normally dress up as monkeys and make monkey postures while dancing. The performer wears ten ‘Anjalies’ – a special ornament - in each leg and while dancing, the sounds of drums and Anjalies combine together to create rhythms. 

 

Andaman & Nicobar comprises of 572 islands and is renowned for its white-sand beaches and marine life. The folk dance of this UT is Nicobari dance which is one of the oldest and typical dance forms of Nicobari tribe that lives in the island. It is usually done during the festival on full moon night under palm trees to show respect to the departed. 

 

The final destination of our Union Territories tours is Lakshwadeep and its famous folk dance we want to talk about is Lava dance. Performed solely by men on festivals, lava means dance, music and rhythm and dancers carry drums while dancing and beat the drums in a rhythm. 

 

Enjoy all this information in podcast format now.

 

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