Telangana is India’s newest state, which was created out of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. The rich culture and traditions of the state date back thousands of years. Dance and music form the very base of the cultural traditions of this state. Some of the popular folk dance forms of Telangana have been listed here.
Folk Dance Styles Of Telangana
1. Dappu
Dappu is a dance form believed to have origins in the Nizamabad district of Telangana. Different names in various parts of the state, such as Palaka and Tapetta, also call it. The name derives from the percussion musical instrument shaped like a Dappu tambourine.
Men usually perform Dappu in groups of 15-20. However, women can also take part in the dancing. The dancers wear brightly coloured clothes. There are numerous variations of the dance movements depending upon the occasion, such as circular movements on the stage and forward movements when performing on the road. The dance is performed to the tunes of loud music generated by beating the Dappu with sticks. Dappu is usually performed during festivals, jatras, and carnivals.
2. Perini Sivatandavam
Perini Sivatandavam, or Perini Tandavam, is a dance form that harks back to medieval India, originating during the 12th century CE Kakatia dynasty. It is related to the worship of Lord Shiva. This is a warrior dance form because it is believed that warriors used to perform it before the idol of Lord Shiva before going to battle. Sculptures depicting this dance form are present at the Ramappa Temple in Warangal. Evidence of Perini Tandavam are also found at the thousand pillared temples and shrines located at Ghanapur and Palampet in Warangal district.
Pernini Sivatandava, or Tandavam, is a type of Shiva Tandav tritium performed exclusively by men to the tunes of conches, drums, and bells. The dance movements depict the five elements: air, fire, earth, water, and wind. Om chanting is also an essential part of this dance form.
Perini Sivatandava retreated into obscurity after the fall of the Kakatia dynasty but was revived by the late Dr. Nataraja Ramakrishna, credited with reviving many ancient spiritual dance forms.
3. Lambadi
Lambadi is an ancient traditional dance of the semi-nomadic tribes known as Lambadis, Sengalis, or Banjaras. It has its origins in the tribes of Rajasthan. Lambadi is performed by women with rare participation of men. The dance is usually performed at night around a fire. The dancers wear colorful embroidered costumes, glass beads, mirrors, and glittering jewelry items.
The dance movements depict farming activities such as sowing, planting, and harvesting. Songs accompanying the dance are sung in various languages, such as Telugu, Rajasthani, Marathi, and Gujarati. Lambadi is performed during festivals such as Holi, Dussehra, and Deepawali.
4. Gusadi
Gusadi is a dance form associated with the Gondulu tribes, also known as Raj Gonds, present in the Adilabad district of Telangana. The dancers wear colourful costumes embellished with ornaments and turbans featuring peacock feathers and deer horns. The dancers also sport fake beards and moustaches.
Gusadi is performed during the festival of Deepawali. The dance shows commence on the complete moon day and continue till the last day of the fortnight of Deepawali. The dancers move from village to village in troupes known as Dandari troupes. Each troupe has 2-5 dancers.
5. Chindu Bhagvatam
Chindu Bhagavatam dates back to the second century BCE. This dance form is based on tales from the Hindu epics. Since most stories depicted are from Bhagvata Puran, the dance’s name is Bhagvatam. The performers tell the stories through dance, music, dialogues, and costumes.
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