“K A L A M A N D I R ” T H E B A C K G R O U N D:
‘Kalamandir’ literally means the temple of art. ’Kalamandir is the name of our repertoire. The place to worship Art & culture. We simply attempted to carry the soul to the Art with worship and practice. By these we found our selves in the domain of silence, peace of mind, heart and soul rendered us space to present folk art that existed for generations. Whenever we showcased our spectacles, we found its beginning in the eyes of spectators. Then it was all easy to reach their hearts. We welcome you on this eternal journey ! India is known to the world as parent country of diverse culture. History of India is evident that she cradled maximum religions of the world. All these religions are still practiced by China and nations of south East Asia. Hinduism is popularly known as a way of life rather than a religion. Incidentally this country got the best advantage of all the sects due to very frequent evasions and attack. Ultimately a time came when India became so rich in art, culture, tradition, archaeology, handicrafts, cuisine and festivals that today it has become matchless.
An overview of this continent like country provides you ample opportunities from the great epics Ramayana and Mahabharat, Vedas and innumerable Upanishads. Taking India to the world was always easy because it all begun with religion first and rituals next. Everything else simply followed. Today we have 28 states, 17 official languages, and 100 major festivals and equal no of religious architectural and heritage sites all providing us backdrop to perform. We easily replicate our experience back home in any country where we are invited. But unknowingly when we return to India, we bring back the fragrance of our host country. This is what we call an endless journey. Indian culture mosaic is most spectacular and rigorous. All dance forms are cosmic in nature often performed by a group with live music. We bring them all to you!
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GUJARAT STATE
Garbo: - (9 Minutes)
It is a devotional dance. A Garbo is a perforated earthen pot. When a lighted lamp is put inside it, the light is spread through the tiny holes. It shines like stars in firmament. Here the earthen pot symbolizes the universe and the lamp is a symbol of life. In Gujarat married females longing an issue, worship Goddess AMBA, the Goddess of power to be blessed with life – a child.
Rass: - ( 7 Minutes)
This dance is performed by males and females both with two wooden sticks called “DANDIYA”. This is the same well known RASS performed by Lord Krishna nearly five thousand years ago. We get the evidence of this dance by the name of “Halisak” or “Dand-Rasak”. Originally only the shepherd community used to perform this dance. Today it is considered to be the peculiarity of Gujarat. The songs are mostly pertaining to Krishna – Radha and Gopi. Many popular legends and stories have proved the immense popularity of this dance form.
Hudo: - ( 7 Minutes)
A particular community from Saurashtra in Gujarat called ‘Bharwads’ (shepherds) performs this dance. This dance form is believed to be originated from the sheep fight. Participants beating their hands forcefully to each other and stamping their feet, create a rhythmic atmosphere. Men and women both do the dance. The dance is especially seen during TARNETAR MELA – fair. The songs generally depict very romantic mood. The bright colored costumes are eye catching.
Tippani: - ( 7 Minutes)
Many dances from develop out of hard routine work of the villagers. Tippani is the fruit of laborers’ toil. A very hard and tiring job of leveling the ground by pounding the long sticks upon it was done by females. To ease out the burden of the job they started singing and dancing while working and this dance form has evolved. Only females perform this dance. Its vigor shows the spirit and strength throughout their work.
Bedu: - ( 9 Minutes)
In ancient times females had to go everyday to the nearest river to fetch water. They used to carry the metal pot called “Bedu” to store the water. Friends of the same age used to go together to enjoy this routine job. They used to crack jokes and tease each other so that 4-5 miles long way to river does not seem so long. Many a times this job was a very good reason to come out of the house and meet the beloved. Thus emerged the light mood
song and dance.
It is a devotional dance. A Garbo is a perforated earthen pot. When a lighted lamp is put inside it, the light is spread through the tiny holes. It shines like stars in firmament. Here the earthen pot symbolizes the universe and the lamp is a symbol of life. In Gujarat married females longing an issue, worship Goddess AMBA, the Goddess of power to be blessed with life – a child.
Rass: - ( 7 Minutes)
This dance is performed by males and females both with two wooden sticks called “DANDIYA”. This is the same well known RASS performed by Lord Krishna nearly five thousand years ago. We get the evidence of this dance by the name of “Halisak” or “Dand-Rasak”. Originally only the shepherd community used to perform this dance. Today it is considered to be the peculiarity of Gujarat. The songs are mostly pertaining to Krishna – Radha and Gopi. Many popular legends and stories have proved the immense popularity of this dance form.
Hudo: - ( 7 Minutes)
A particular community from Saurashtra in Gujarat called ‘Bharwads’ (shepherds) performs this dance. This dance form is believed to be originated from the sheep fight. Participants beating their hands forcefully to each other and stamping their feet, create a rhythmic atmosphere. Men and women both do the dance. The dance is especially seen during TARNETAR MELA – fair. The songs generally depict very romantic mood. The bright colored costumes are eye catching.
Tippani: - ( 7 Minutes)
Many dances from develop out of hard routine work of the villagers. Tippani is the fruit of laborers’ toil. A very hard and tiring job of leveling the ground by pounding the long sticks upon it was done by females. To ease out the burden of the job they started singing and dancing while working and this dance form has evolved. Only females perform this dance. Its vigor shows the spirit and strength throughout their work.
Bedu: - ( 9 Minutes)
In ancient times females had to go everyday to the nearest river to fetch water. They used to carry the metal pot called “Bedu” to store the water. Friends of the same age used to go together to enjoy this routine job. They used to crack jokes and tease each other so that 4-5 miles long way to river does not seem so long. Many a times this job was a very good reason to come out of the house and meet the beloved. Thus emerged the light mood
song and dance.
Dangi : - ( 8 minutes)
It is a tribal dance. Dang is a thickly dense forest region situated in southern Gujarat. The Dangi, tribal people stay there. These people are very hard working. Throughout the day they slog out and at the night they dance to relax. Boys and girls dance vigorously in a chain formation by holding hand or by holding each other by waist. They generally do not have a song only on the beats of the drums and a monotonous tune of ‘Sharnai’ they dance. The specialty of this dance is extraordinary co-ordination. Participants do exhibit the acrobatics during the dance.
MAHARASHTRA STATE
Lavani : - ( 5 Minutes)
Lavani is the most popular dance from Maharashtra. It is an out sprang of “Tamasha”. But could gain acceptance and prestige only during Peshwa regime. On the occasion of victory or during any other festival Lavani dance is done. A beautiful female through her beauty and dance tries to attract people. The dancers wear a special “Nav-Vari” long sari and “Ghungharus” – the anklets. Lavani mainly is full of romantic mood. The innermost feelings of the dancers are expressed through the song and dance.
ANDHRA PRADESH
Gobbi: - (9 Minutes)
This vivacious harvesting dance from Andhra is done by robust young women in the fields teasing each other about lovers and romance. It is
gay and filled with energy and humor.
RAJASTHAN
This vivacious harvesting dance from Andhra is done by robust young women in the fields teasing each other about lovers and romance. It is
gay and filled with energy and humor.
RAJASTHAN
Teratali : - ( 7 Minutes)
Out of many colourful dances of Rajasthan, Teratali is a special one. It is a dance with cymbals. The female dancers tie cymbals to their wrist, arms and legs. By beating each and every cymbal performer show fast but graceful movement. The sweet tinkling sound of the cymbals gives a different feel.
The dancers use 13 cymbals and hence the dance is known as Teratali.
Hori Nritya : - ( 6 Minutes)
Rajasthan is a state of color and joy. Hori – the festival of colours is the main festival of Rajasthan. Men and women young and old everyone enjoys the festival of Hori. In this dance the main subject is Hori- the colors., but many other feelings are also expressed. Very tender and graceful movement of he female dancer really enthralls the audience. The tunes of the songs are also very unique.
Out of many colourful dances of Rajasthan, Teratali is a special one. It is a dance with cymbals. The female dancers tie cymbals to their wrist, arms and legs. By beating each and every cymbal performer show fast but graceful movement. The sweet tinkling sound of the cymbals gives a different feel.
The dancers use 13 cymbals and hence the dance is known as Teratali.
Hori Nritya : - ( 6 Minutes)
Rajasthan is a state of color and joy. Hori – the festival of colours is the main festival of Rajasthan. Men and women young and old everyone enjoys the festival of Hori. In this dance the main subject is Hori- the colors., but many other feelings are also expressed. Very tender and graceful movement of he female dancer really enthralls the audience. The tunes of the songs are also very unique.
PUNJAB
Bhangra : - ( 7 Minutes)
A very thickly adored dance from Punjab! A very different costumes and a unique and fast rhythm pattern really invites you to dance with them. Punjab is the state where agriculture is the main occupation. Hence “Baishakhi” the harvesting festival is of a great importance. At the time of harvesting just by the sight of the swaying crops and rich fields , the Punjabis go mad with joy! Beating a big ‘DHOL’ – the drum, with a thin wooden stick they sing and dance. The well-built Punjabis show robust movement. And the female joins them with their fragile movements.
One simply gets charged by the “balle-balle” sounds and the cheerful dance.!
KERALA
A very thickly adored dance from Punjab! A very different costumes and a unique and fast rhythm pattern really invites you to dance with them. Punjab is the state where agriculture is the main occupation. Hence “Baishakhi” the harvesting festival is of a great importance. At the time of harvesting just by the sight of the swaying crops and rich fields , the Punjabis go mad with joy! Beating a big ‘DHOL’ – the drum, with a thin wooden stick they sing and dance. The well-built Punjabis show robust movement. And the female joins them with their fragile movements.
One simply gets charged by the “balle-balle” sounds and the cheerful dance.!
KERALA
Kaikottikali: - (8 Minutes)
The festival of Onam is the new year for the people of Kerala. In the lush green paddy fields surrounded by palm fronds and blue lagoons young girl make a circle of flowers and forming a circle around, dance. The weaving gestures signify the emergence of shoots and new leaves. This folk form has been greatly in fluenced by the classical dance of the state.., Kathakali and Mohini Attam.
Oppana: (7 Minutes)
This is a bridal dance associated with Muslim wedding ceremonies in Malbar in Kerala state. The bride is mentally prepared for the nuptial night by her close friends in colorful costumes through the sequence of dance –cum – music. This is an occasion of great celebration and merriment.
The festival of Onam is the new year for the people of Kerala. In the lush green paddy fields surrounded by palm fronds and blue lagoons young girl make a circle of flowers and forming a circle around, dance. The weaving gestures signify the emergence of shoots and new leaves. This folk form has been greatly in fluenced by the classical dance of the state.., Kathakali and Mohini Attam.
Oppana: (7 Minutes)
This is a bridal dance associated with Muslim wedding ceremonies in Malbar in Kerala state. The bride is mentally prepared for the nuptial night by her close friends in colorful costumes through the sequence of dance –cum – music. This is an occasion of great celebration and merriment.
MADHYA PRADESH
Gond dance: - (7 Minutes)
In Madhya Pradesh, the Gond tribal are strong agrarian community where men and women share equal workloads. The Gond use stilts to cover long distances through marshes and tracks and this has evolved into a unique dance. The women participate equally in this, as in life, being vigorous partners to their men.
In Madhya Pradesh, the Gond tribal are strong agrarian community where men and women share equal workloads. The Gond use stilts to cover long distances through marshes and tracks and this has evolved into a unique dance. The women participate equally in this, as in life, being vigorous partners to their men.
MANIPUR
Lai Haraoba: - ( 7 Minutes)
This dance of the Meibis depicts the life cycle through growth, building shelters, weaving, searching for fire and cultivation.
Spear / Sword dances: - (8 Minutes)
These dances, usually performed for royalty in Manipur, combine the ancient martial arts technique of Thaytha with dance-like movement. The movement are sinuous and the leaps magnificent.
ORISSA
This dance of the Meibis depicts the life cycle through growth, building shelters, weaving, searching for fire and cultivation.
Spear / Sword dances: - (8 Minutes)
These dances, usually performed for royalty in Manipur, combine the ancient martial arts technique of Thaytha with dance-like movement. The movement are sinuous and the leaps magnificent.
ORISSA
Tribal dance of Sambalpur: - (9 Minutes)
In Sambalpur, boys and girls gather on an evening in the spring and dance to the beat of mandavi drum. Though the dancers are not organized, the steps are patterned, falling into a natural rhythm back and forth and round and round.
In Sambalpur, boys and girls gather on an evening in the spring and dance to the beat of mandavi drum. Though the dancers are not organized, the steps are patterned, falling into a natural rhythm back and forth and round and round.
