Raut Nacha folk dance festival kicks off in Chhattisgarh

Raut Nacha is a folk dance form from Chhattisgarh, which is performed by the Yadavas, considered the descendants of Lord Krishna. Dancers, who depict mythological battles, wear bright and colourful dresses and equip themselves with sticks and metal shields.

Bemetara: Chhattisgarh, which is home to unique folk traditions, witnessed a visual spectacle in the form of Raut Nacha, a dance form, during the fortnight following Diwali.

Raut Nacha is a dance form usually performed by the Yadavas or Yaduvanshis, who are considered the descendants of Lord Krishna and are involved in the dairy business.

The dance performances begin a day after Diwali, on the day of Govardhan Puja and go on for about a week until the 'Dev Udhni Ekadashi'. According to the Hindu Panchang (Calendar), this period is the time of awakening of Gods after a brief rest.

Yaduvanshis go from house to house and present their dance performance, following which they are gifted food and clothes as 'shagun'. Finally, on the day of 'Dev Udhni Ekadashi', cows are adorned with 'Sohai' (A piece of cloth).

The dance resembles the dance of Lord Krishna with gopis. Dancers wear bright and colourful dresses and equip themselves with sticks and metal shields. Bellas are tied to their waist and ankles as they enact mythological battles.

The essence of the music involved in this dance form lies in the 'dohes' mainly written by saints Tulsidas and Kabir which are recited by a singer during a performance along with the beat of 'Gudum Baja' (drum), the traditional musical instrument of Chhattisgarh.

The 'women' dancing with the Yadavs are called 'paris' (fairies). Interestingly though, the paris are actually men dressed up as women.

Govardhan Puja is celebrated with great pomp in Chhattisgarh. People visit 'gothans' (cowsheds) and worship cows. The cows are also fed sweets and delicacies.

However, in today's age of technology, India's rich culture is being ignored, pushing folk dance forms like Raut Nacha on the verge of extinction.

Read: Know all about the 'Dog Temple' in Chhattisgarh!