pot dance

 https://youtu.be/VeAl0gZdk5Q

Dandiya Raas dance form is performed in a group consisting of men and women. Both men and women wear colorful clothes specially designed for the dance. Beautifully decorated wooden sticks are used as props in the dance. Made of bamboo and painted in different vibrant colors, the sticks look beautiful. While dancing the performers hold the sticks in both the hands and strike them together on the beats of the musical instruments. The performers dance in a group forming a circle. The sticks when struck together produce melodious sound. It is a fast-paced dance which involves a great deal of energy. The Kathiawari Raas dancers of Gujarat are best known for this dance form.  

Garba Raas

It is an ancient dance form of Gujarat which is very popular among the people of this state. This dance form was popularized by Usha, the grand daughter-in-law of Lord Krishna. Originally it was known as Lasya Nritya. This dance is performed only by women. They dress up in colorful attire and do this dance in honor of Ma Jagdambe, the Mother Goddess. This dance is also performed on other religious festivals like Sharad Purnima, Holi and Vasant Panchami.

The performers carry pots on their heads while dancing. They move in circles performing to the beats of devotional songs sung in praise of the Goddess. The term Garba is derived from the word ‘Garbhadip’ meaning a lamp inside an earthen pot. Sometimes the pot is filled with water and sometimes an earthen lamp is lit inside it. The women wear colorful saris in Gujarati style while performing Garba.

Ras Dance

This dance form originated from the Ras Leela performed by Lord Krishna in Vrindavan and Gokul. Traditionally performed by men in groups, this dance is done on the melodious beats of musical instruments such as flute, zanz, cymbals and dhol. Draped in colorful traditional attire, the performers dance with great zeal.