2017-03-06 Mon

India is a land of diversity. In spite of its varied cultures and traditions, it is united by the melodies, the rhythms, and an unparalleled zest in enjoying the music! It is not a surprise that each of these diverse regions has evolved a distinctive style of music and dance adding more colours to this already rich culture of India.

Dance in India comprises of numerous styles of dances, generally classified as classical or folk. There are thus tribal, folk, village and classical dances from each region of India. We have in previous articles talked about the classical dance forms of India on stamps. Now let’s take a look at the tribal dances on stamps.

To celebrate these vibrant and lively Tribal dance forms of India, India Post has on 30th April 1991 issued a set of four commemorative stamps, each commemorating a tribal dance form from India.

A 20 Paise stamp commemorates “Valar”, a dance form of the dessert land, Rajasthan performed mostly by the Garasias Tribe characterised by colourful costumes and silver jewellery. An INR 4 stamp portrays a heartwarming and thrilling dance from Kinnaur: “Kayang”. It is a form of rosary dance, mostly performed my males led by a man holding a whisk in his hand.

Other INR 6.50 stamp boasts a dance predominantly performed by Kundividians and Nairs, “Velakali”. A Martial dance form full of dramatic articulations, the dancers wear a white dhoti on which a red cloth sash is tied. The headdress is a flaming red turban with a border of gold. It is performed to the accompaniment of trumpets, kettledrums and war cries. The stories revolve around the victory of the Pandavas over the Kauravas. It is marked by fast movements, jumps and turns.

For a tribe from Tripura, the Reangs, dance is a part of their daily life. An INR 5 stamp celebrates this tradition of the Reangs by portraying “Hozagiri” on it. To the accompaniment of drums, flutes and stringed instruments, the Reang women standing on earthen pitchers dance rhythmically while balancing and waving metal plates on their hands.

Indian folk and tribal dances are simple and are performed to express joy. In India, we have festivals and celebrations virtually every day. This has added to the richness of Indian culture. Since every festival is accompanied by celebrations, folk and tribal dances have become an integral part of our Indian identity.