Dance and music are an integral part of Bengali culture. The various tribes and ethnic groups of Bengal have their own distinctive folk arts. The gamut of folk songs of West Bengal with its lyrical charm and richness, its thematic diversity and variety is a reflection of rural Bengal’s originality and thoughts. As a traditional art form, folk dances of the region have gained immense popularity and recognition over the years. The dance forms of the state are based on themes that range from ritualistic to sardonic and from symbolic to social and entails prayers, offerings and celebrations. Generally performed during festive seasons, or to mark a happy occasion, these dances embedded in folk culture, reflect local faith, tradition and custom. It encompasses a broad continuum, from invoking the rain Gods for a good harvest to depicting mythological events. The dance forms that have evolved from the martial arts depict events from the great Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and each of the dance forms are performed on various occasions, at fairs and festivals and religious gatherings. Some of the famous dance forms of the Indian state of West Bengal are listed below. Purulia Chhau Dance The Chhau dance of Purulia district is one of the most vibrant and colourful art forms. Emerging from martial practice, the Purulia Chhau is a vigorous form of dance drama that draws its themes from the two great Indian epics, The Ramayana and The Mahabharata. Masks and elaborate headgear are the ornamental apparels of the Chhau dancers. The dance is believed to date back to over a century, though the specific date of its origin cannot be definitely ascertained. Since its inception, the members of the Mahato, Kurmi, Bhumija, Deowa, Bhuama and Dom communities have sustained this dance form. The dance is an essential part of the Gajan Festival, a festival that celebrates the glories of Lord Shiva. Brita Dance One of the popular and traditional folk dances of West Bengal, Brita Dance is mainly performed in the rural areas by the women folk, the dance is performed in the premises of a temple to placate the deity and to get blessings of the Almighty. According to the accepted credence, this dance is performed in gratefulness after a wish has been fulfilled. It is also performed after the recovery from a contagious disease such as small pox. Tusu Dance A dance form of the Birbhum district, Tusu is a popular dance form of the state. It is performed by both men and women in the month of Pausa during the Gregorian months of December and January. The dance is basically related to the Tusu Parab (Tusu Festival) which is celebrated on the day of Makar Sankranti. On this day girls gather at the riverside to worship the clay and cowdung idol of Goddess Tusu so to get a good groom. Santhal Dance The Santhals form an indespensablel part of the folklore of Bengal and their dance form is popular in the districts of Birbhum, Bankura, Malda and Burddhaman. A tribal folk dances that showcases huge vitality and exuberance, Santhal Dnace is similar to a folk dance form of Madhya Pradesh. The dance is performed by both the men and women of the Santhali tribe. The theme of the dance is related to gender issue and land rights and is performed to celebrate spring festival to glorify of nature. Lathi Dance Another very prominent dance form of West Bengal is Lathi Dance, which is a unique art form as well a unique art of expression. This dance is performed to express different conditions of human life such as sorrow, celebration, anger, pain or love and is performed during the first ten days of the Muslim festival of Muharram. Gambhira Dance A dance form that finds a special place in the Bengali culture, Gambhira Dance devotional folk dance performed specially during Chadak festival in the month of March and April. It is much popular of North Bengal and depending on the theme, dancers perform solo, duets or in groups, dancing in tune with the beat of dhaks. Colorful masks representing Gods and Goddesses make the performances both attractive and enjoyable, while retaining the authenticity of this ancient dance form.
