Chhapeli dance go very far back in history, older than the separation of the undivided state of Uttar Pradesh. It means that these two states used to share the same culture. Folk dances, songs, and some crafts are still shared by both states.
Chhapeli Dance Origins
Chhapeli dance is one of the folk dances which Uttrakhand and Uttar Pradesh both share. Chhapeli is a dance that is done in hasty steps of high speed. Chhapeli is a music style too. One interesting and attractive part of this dance is that it is a traditional dance that is performed by real lovers.
The reason behind this is that the dance help lovers to make their bond stronger and enhance their relationship. This is probably the first cultural activity some of you have come across that encourages lovers. The legend has it that the lovers who will perform this dance in colorful clothes and beating instruments their love will never fail.
Dance Performance
In the chappeli dance, both women and men perform by gender norms. The woman will be carrying a hand mirror with a handkerchief in one hand and the man will be carrying a Hudukka on his left shoulder. The man plays this instrument while dancing. It can be also analyzed as that man is trying to impress the woman he loves with his music and the woman is getting ready for him (doing sringar). The main instruments used in Chhapeli dance are Manzira, Flute, and Hurka.
The dance does not consist of hard steps. The lover sings songs for his beloved praising her beauty. He sometimes mocks her for the ways she expresses her love to him. The dance brings pure joy to the hearts of spectators. Couples celebrate their love while including others in it.
Status of Chhapeli Dance Today
Today, the tradition of dancers being lovers has changed. Tribes are trying to preserve this folk dance so they are teaching this folk dance to other tribes. Not every tribe allows their young generation to show their affection for their lover in the public. This is why with time this tradition has changed. Although Chappeli dance is about beauty, love, affection, and joy it is not losing its charm by regular people dancing it. With time maybe the tradition will come back and lovers can dance with their love openly again.