DANCE FORMS OF INDIA CLASSICAL AND GENERAL.pptx

DANCE FORMS OF INDIA

1. BHARATNATYAM Bharatanatyam is a dance of Tamil Nadu in southern India. It traces its origins back to the Natyashastra , an ancient treatise on theatre written by the mythic priest Bharata . Originally a temple dance for women, bharatanatyam often is used to express Hindu religious stories and devotions. It was not commonly seen on the public stage until the 20th century. The dance movements are characterized by bent legs, while feet keep rhythm. Hands may be used in a series of mudras, or symbolic hand gestures, to tell a story.

2. KATHAKALI Kathakali comes from southwestern India, around the state of Kerala. Like bharatanatyam , kathakali is a religious dance. It draws inspiration from the Ramayana and stories from Shaiva traditions. Kathakali is traditionally performed by boys and men, even for female roles. The costumes and makeup are especially elaborate, with faces made to look like painted masks and enormous headdresses.

3. KATHAK A dance of northern India, Kathak is often a dance of love. It is performed by both men and women. The movements include intricate footwork accented by bells worn around the ankles and stylized gestures adapted from normal body language. It was originated by Kathakas , professional storytellers who used a mixture of dance, song, and drama. Like other Indian dances it began as a temple dance, but soon moved into the courts of ruling houses.

4. MANIPURI Manipuri comes from Manipur in northeastern India. It has its roots in that state’s folk traditions and rituals, and often depicts scenes from the life of the god Krishna. Unlike some of the other, more rhythmic dances, Manipuri is characterized by smooth and graceful movements. Female roles are especially fluid in the arms and hands, while male roles tend to have more forceful movements. The dance may be accompanied by narrative chanting and choral singing..

5. KUCHIPUDI Unlike the other styles mentioned, kuchipudi requires talent in both dancing and singing. This dance, from the state of Andhra Pradesh in southeastern India, is highly ritualized, with a formalized song-and-dance introduction, sprinkling of holy water, and burning of incense, along with invocations of goddesses. Traditionally the dance was performed by men, even the female roles, although now it is predominantly performed by women.

6. ODISSI Odissi is indigenous to Orissa in eastern India. It is predominantly a dance for women, with postures that replicate those found in temple sculptures. Based on archaeological findings, odissi is belived to be the oldest of the surviving Indian classical dances. Odissi is a very complex and expressive dance, with over fifty mudras (symbolic hand gestures) commonly used.

7. In many parts of India and during formal occasions, it is common for people to greet with the traditional Hindu greeting of “Namaste”. A common gesture when greeting is pressing the palms together with the fingertips facing upwards (i.e. in a prayer position). This greeting is sometimes accompanied with a slight bow. Verbal greetings vary between regions and also differ depending on people’s relationships. Namaste ( नमस्ते) in Hindi. Sata Sri Akal ( ਸਤਿ ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ) in Punjabi. Nomoshkar ( নমস্কার) in Bangla. Aadab ( आदाब) in Kashmiri. Parnam ( प्रणाम) in Magadhi . Namaskar ( नमस्कार) in Marathi. Vanakkam ( வணக்கம்) in Tamil. Namaskaram ( నమస్కరం) – Telugu. GREETINGS

8. DIWALI Significance: The festival marks the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, after a long exile of 14 years. Diwali, one of the most prominent Hindu festivals of India. During this festival of lights, houses are decorated with lamps, candles, and Ashok leaves. People wear new clothes, participate in family puja, burst crackers, and share sweets with friends, families, and neighbors.

9. HOLI Significance: It signifies the victory of good (Prince Prahlad ) over evil ( Holika ) and the arrival of spring. Holi is one of the famous festivals of India. On the day of Holi, the famous festival of Indian states, people gather in open areas and apply dry and wet colors of multiple hues to each other, with some carrying water guns and colored water-filled balloons.

10. DUSSEHRA Significance: It celebrates the death of the demon king Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama. Dussehra , is also among the most famous festivals of India in Hindu religion. Ramlila (enactment of scenes from Ramayana) is held everywhere for 10 days. It’s culminated with “ Ravan Dahan ” – the burning of huge effigies of Ravana , Meghnath , and Kumbhkaran which is a real spectacle to see.

11. GANESH CHATURTHI Significance: It’s the birthday of Lord Ganesha , the elephant-headed God. Ganesh Chaturthi, is one of the important Hindu religious festivals of India. Huge handcrafted Ganesh idols are installed in homes or outdoors, in public pandals . Pujas are performed in the morning and the evening. The last day is the day of Visarjan – immersion of an idol in a water body.

12. RAKSHA BANDHAN Significance: It symbolizes the strong bonding of a brother and sister. Signifying the brother-sister bonding, during Rakhi, the sister performs Aarti (prayer), applies tilak , and ties rakhi (a sacred thread) on the brother’s wrist wishing his well-being. The brother, in return, vows to protect the sister.

13. Significance: It celebrates the conclusion of the holy month of fasting called Ramadan. Eid is one of the major festivals of India for the Muslim community. People dress up in fineries, attend a special community prayer in the morning, visit friends, and relatives and exchange sweets. Children are given idi (money or gift) by elders. EID UL FITR

14. ONAM Significance: It celebrates the homecoming of the legendary king Mahabali . Onam is among the important national festivals of India, wherein people wear traditional wear, adorn houses with Pookalam (floral designs), and prepare Onasadya (elaborate meal of about 13 dishes). Events such as Vallamkali (snake boat race), Kaikottikali (clap dance), Kathakali dance, and Pulikali procession (artists dressed and painted like tigers and hunters) are held.

15. PONGAL Significance: It’s a festival of thanksgiving to nature representing the first harvest of the year. The four-day long harvest festival of South India is one of the most famous festivals of India. People prepare Pongal dish and wear their traditional attire. On this famous festival of South India, celebrities include bonfires, dancing, cattle races, sweets, and savories. The houses look resplendent with Kolam designs (traditional floral designs made with rice, colored powders, and flower petals)

16. CHRISTMAS Significance: Birthday of Lord Jesus One of the most famous and awaited festivals in India and the world, Christmas happens to be of sheer significance for elders and children alike. Everyone regardless of their religion wait for this day, children specifically for the surprise gifts from Santa. All the churches are lit up and decorated to celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus.

17. EASTER Significance: Resurrection of Lord Jesus Just like other festivals in India and the world, Easter is also celebrated with much fervor and great religious solemnization in different parts of the country. Celebrated during Spring, Easter celebrations in India are distinguished by various colourful decorations, dance and plays, simmel and plum cakes, and bright lanterns adorning the streets.

18. LANGUAGES OF INDIA

19. CUISINE India is known for its love for food and spices. Indian cuisine varies from region to region, reflecting the local produce, cultural diversity and varied demographics of the country. Indian cuisine can be split into five categories-northern, southern, eastern, western and north eastern. This diversity is due to use of many spices and herbs , a wide assortment of recipes and cooking techniques.

20. CONCLUSION