Indian Dancer

India is known all over the world for its rich cultural heritage. It is a land of diverse religions and each state of the country beautifully displays its distinct cultural legacy. Dance is one of the unique cultural aspects of all Indians. The charm and grace of the Classical dance of India is truly inexplicable.

The classical dance performances of India will surely take you to a different world of pleasure. Classical Dance is one of the two leading dance forms of the country. Another leading dance form being the folk dance. Where classical dances are mostly associated with the temple culture, folk dances on the other hand are more identified and inclined with locales.

The essence of the Classical Dances of India is both spiritual and aesthetic. These dances are more or less performed to pray and please Goddess. The main element of the classical dance forms is allied with that of myths, philosophical explanations, symbolism and other mystic responses.

The elegant body movements including hands, neck and eyes add a distinctive flavor to this dance form. Moreover, eye and facial expressions, costumes, jewelry and postures also add a unique essence to this enchanting art. It adds an ethnic aspect that makes it more and more charming for the audience. The dance performances are carried forward by skillful dancers to offer remarkable experience for the audience.

If we look back to the journey of classical dance in India we will find that only 6 main classical dance forms have developed in its 2000 years history. Today, according to the Sangeet Natak Academy, one of the premier institutions of dance and drama in the country, there are eight prominent classical dance forms. These include Bharatnatyam that originated from Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Sattriya of the state Assam, Katak of Northern India, Kathakali and Mohiniattam of Kerala, Kuchipudi of Andhra Pradesh and lastly Manipuri Dance of Manipur.

Bharata’s natyashastra or the authoritative text of Indian drama includes the major attributes and guidelines of the Indian Drama. This particular treatise also provides you two significant aspects of pure dance, interpretative dance or dance Nritya. In addition, Abhinaya Darpanam also considered Indian dance bible offers you all the fundamental rules related to each technique.

The tradition of celebrating Naba Barsha started with Emperor Akbar. During his reign, people were asked to clear all their debts and taxes by the last day of the last month, Chaitra. On first of Boishakh, landlords treated them with sweetmeats. In course of time, festivities and fairs were added to the celebration and gradually, Poila Boishakh celebration became a part of Bengali life.

Chaitra Mela heralds the onset of new beginning when the stock clearance sale reminds that Bengali New Year is here and it is time for cleaning spree. Also, it becomes evident that you need to clear all your dues with the shops as they will close all old accounts and start new ledgers.

Bengali New Year starts with cleaning of houses and decorating the entrance with flowers and ‘alpana’, motifs drawn on floor with rice flour. People wear new clothes and start the day with temple visits. In many places, Poila Boishakh starts with Prabhat Pheri or morning procession. The bright sunny day outside seems to welcome the New Year whole-heartedly.

Sumptuous meal of traditionally Bengali cuisine is the main attraction of Bengali New Year lunch. In this era of air dash, the authentic Bengali delicacies are on the verge of extinction as no one has time or temperament to cook them. Lots of Bengali restaurants offer special package of lunch and dinner which constitute these delicacies like bhetki macher paturi, chital machher muithha or mutton daak bunglow.

Any Bengali description is incomplete without mentioning sweets. Bengal and Bengali is known for sweet fetish. On the first day of Bengali New Year, people enjoy different varieties of sweets like sandesh, kheer kadam, rasmalai, and not to forget, rasogolla. The earthen pot full of rasogolla has become the perfect logo for this community.

Evenings of Poila Boishakh are booked by the cultural activities. People of every age group participate actively in these celebrations. Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrulgeeti fill the sky with a flavor of festivity. Different plays, dance-dramas etc are practiced for days to be performed with perfection. After Durga Puja, Bengali New Year is the only occasion which is celebrated with so much of zeal and enthusiasm. Till date, Poila Boishakh reminds us to celebrate our rich and age old culture, tradition and values and that we should preserve it.