Gujarat is well known for its graceful dances and rhythmic
music. The dances have legendary origin and trace their origin
to the Puranic times of Lord Krishna
Dandia
Raas
It is very simple dance and is performed by a group
who move in circles to measure steps, marking time by sticks
called dandia. The dances are accompanied by rhythmic
music and singing. It is known as Garbi in Saurashtra in which
only males participate. Rasa Nritya is performed
in several variations and formations like Chokdi, Swastik
etc.
Mer Rasa
Mers are a virile community in Saurashtra known for
their Rasa called Mer Rasa.
Gof
Gunthan
Gof Gunthan, popularly known as Athanga Nritya
is a very intricate and entertaining variations of Dandia
Raas. Every player holds a stick in one hand and a colored
string in the other.
Garba
Dance
It is circular form of dance performed by ladies on
festive occasions. The ladies place a pot with the lamp on their
heads and move in circles, singing in time measures by clapping
hands in accompaniment of folk instruments.
Tippani
Dance
It is performed by the women folk of Chorwad. It represents
their community activities. Women laborers engaged in house
construction beat the floor for a glossy surface with a long
sticks called as tippan.
Folk
Instruments
Aero phonic : Pavo, Shenai
and Murli
Memberanophonic : Damru, Tabla,
Nagara, Pot Drum etc
Cardophonic : Ektaro, Tamburo,
Ravan Haththo and Jantar.
Autophonic : khartals,Cymbals etc.
