AGRIUNIFEST - 2001

Folk dance: an expression of traditional culture and customs

The people of India have embraced different religions, speak many languages and follow peculiar customs and traditions. All these are reflected in our art music, dance, festivals and lifestyles. The folk dance performed by the teams in the Agriunifest 2001 depicted the mosaic fabric of our culture, which reinforced the feeling of unity among the diversities. Most of the folk dances are the reflections of our farming culture.

The performance of the Maratwada Agricultural University, Parbhani represented three different styles. The first is Vaghyamurali to worship Khandoba, second is Gandhal to contain the chaos in our society and Jogwa to worship godess. The energetic steps in dance symbolised energy of Maharstrian people, a sudden stop indicated tolerance, self restraint and hope.

The dance performed by the Chaudhari Charan Singh Haryana Agrl. University, Hissar described the life of rural folk. A wife imploring her husband to buy bangles for her, a newly married young girl complaining about her inlaws household or a young bride boasting about her control over her husband and how her mother-in-law fights against it and limitless such beautiful anecdotes when woman of rural Haryana let down their inhibitions and display their feelings by means of such songs and dances.

The folk dance of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University portrayed the Dravidan culture of pleasing gods by way of human sacrifice.

The UAS, Dharwad presented the dance of fishermen, which they dedicated to the fishermen of Kerala. The dance depicted the day to day activities of fishermen from dawn to dusk.

The Danda Nritya, the common dance form of Orissa staged by the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology portayed the hurry, worry and restlessness which are part of the daily life of the Orissa villagers.

The Dhangari Nritya staged by Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidya Peeth, reminded the shepeard community of Maharashtra. The dancers registered their faith in their god 'Biroba' which helped them to lessen their daily exertion.

The Japi Dance of the Assam Agricultural University is one of the traditional dances of Assam. It is usually performed as a pre - harvest dance. Jaipi is a traditional headwear made of shaven bamboo sticks and fine cloth woven in 'Taat' (throw shuttle). It is given by the women folk to the man they love as a token of affection, faith and a promise to share the rest of their lives with the man. Japi serves as a protection against the rays of sun and showers of rain during the harvest season.

The KAU team higlighted the joy of harvest. The harvest is always charming since it indicates the merge of nostalgia for the past and hopes for the future.

The Ganesh Vandan, lawori and Gondhel performed by the Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidya Peeth, Rahuri represented the Maharashtrian culture and tradition. The typical sounds produced during various festive and auspicious occasions (Hulahuli by women and Haribola by men) is perticularly essential during the dance which is otherwise believed to carry misfortune.

The Jhoomar dance performed by the Birsa Agl. University, Jharkhand is the traditional dance of the tribes of Jharkhand. It depicts the activities of a person who goes for hunting and shares the catch among the family members. The dance also reflects the joy of a farmer before sowing and after the harvest of the crop.

The Koya Dance staged by the Acharya N.G. Ranga University, Rajendranagar, is the traditional folk dance of the tribals of Khammam district in Andhra Pradesh.

The G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pant Nagar, in their magnificant performance propitiated God for helping them for a bumber harvest. In the hills of Uttranchal when the crops were harvested and a good yield was obtained it was the time for joy and celebrations. Like Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Vishu in Kerala and Baishakai in Punjab Harela is celebrated in Uttaranchal. In Harela the families are remembering the hardwork and strenuous efforts which they have made in their fields and also express their gratitude to God for helping them.

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