Jharkhand is home to many tribes with a long history. These tribes and their unique traditions have made Jharkhand culturally diverse. Danga dance form is one such addition to the rich culture of the tribal people in Jharkhand.
Purpose of the Danga Dance
Danga folk dance performed is to celebrate the ancient cultures of the community. These tribes have elements of feudal traditions even today.
In the feudal setup a king or monarch offers lands to people in exchange for their military services to the kingdom. These warriors are respected in the tribal society. Danga dance is a reflection of the different emotions that surround the people living in such a setup.
Danga Dance Performance
Both men and women are allowed to take part in Danga dance form. The Danga dancers are famous for an elegant display of different human emotions through dance. The steps are dramatic and do not involve too much of a rhythm. They express spontaneous joy and happiness. They also portray the elements of reality and fantasies that human minds create. There are no strict formations. Both male and female dancers take different positions and perform a dance drama for the audience.
Costume Used
The traditional attire worn by men is similar to the Paika dancers. The chest and back are protected with metal shields. The head is covered with a turban. Under the shield, the men wear a full-sleeved shirt with a dhoti on the bottom. They also carry a sword and wear anklets with bells in them.
The women dress up in a traditional saree with a broad decorated border. The head is covered using the pallu. The arms are adorned with multicolor bangles. Some of them wear beaded necklaces. On the feet, they wear anklets with small beads dangling from them. The female dancers are also seen wearing the nose ring and a Maang tika.
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