logo
logo
Sign in

Naati Dance

avatar
Trewen Dass
Naati Dance

Naati dance is one of the prominent dance forms of the Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh state of India. It is a traditional folk dance of the local inhabitants that reflects the rich cultural tradition of the people of the region. Himachal Pradesh is said to be the home of several tribes who follow different customs and traditions. The Naati dance of the Kullu district is one such traditional folk art that confirms to the variant cultural life of the people of the state. The Naati dance is an integral part of any festive occasion and fair. The otherwise dull and boring life of the tribes of the region is infused with fresh energy and renewed vigour.


There are several varieties of Nati performed like Kullvi Nati, Mahasuvi Nati, Sirmauri Nati, Kinnauri Nati,Saraji Nati, Suketi Nati, Churahi Nati,Brada Nati, Bangani Nati, Jaunpuri Nati, etc. People of Lahaul district have their own distinct dance called "Garphi" and Nati is not a part of Lahauli culture. The Kinnauri Nati dance is mime-like and includes languid sequences. Important among the dances of Nati is 'Losar shone chuksom'. The name from Losai, or the New Year. Activities such as sowing the crop and reaping it are included in it.

There is no restriction on the male or female dancers, both can participate in the Nati dance. In the olden days, women and men used to perform is separate groups. The group of dancers is led by some main male dancers who carry a fly whisk.Initially, all dancers hold hand and make a circle. It can be considered a slow dance but in between styles they pick up beat and dance according to beats. At the end of the Nati, a Yagna is performed by the dancers to pay homage to gods and goddesses.

Both male and female clothing of Himachal Pradesh are beautiful so think about the costumes that they get specially made for dancing. Yes, they are mesmerizing.Men wear woollen robes with churidar and women wear long robes similar to that of male. On the head, the male wears Himachali topi or a hat with flowers fixed on it whereas women cover their head with scarves.

Naati dance is usually performed to the accompaniment of various musical instruments which comprises of Shehnai, Dhol, Nagara, Karnal and Narsingha.


collect
0
avatar
Trewen Dass
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more