Kathak: A classical dance form

Kathak is the major classical dance form of northern India. The word Kathak is derived from the Sanskrit word “katha” meaning story. This dance form reflects the art of storytelling. Kathak has roots attached to the ancient times where professional known as kathakas or story tellers used to show their dancing skills. They used to recite or sing stories from epics and mythology with some elements of dance. They used their dancing and acting skill to present some parts of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, the Puranas of Sanskrit literature. In the 15th-16th century at the time the Bhakti movement, Rasalilas had a tremendous impact on Kathak. Kathak was used to narrate tales from the lives of Radha-Krishna. In addition to that these as kathakas or story tellers included the tales of Radha-Krishna childhood. In this times Kathak was related to devotional performances.

There was a major shift in Kathak during the mugal period. Before this period it was used for devotional performances. During the Mughal period it gained prominence. It moved from temples to the king's court. Now, it was seen as a source of entertainment. Dancers were imported from North Aisa. There was also some change in implementation also. Folk dances were performed in the court to please the people present there. Later Kathak was also extensively performed by tawaifs. They frequently performed on classical music of such as dadra, kajri and tappa as well as thumri.

Many emperors and princely rulers contributed to the growth and development of Kathak into different gharanas, or schools of dance, named after the cities in which they developed. Kathak developed in the Jaipur gharana. In the east region it is known that Wajid Ali Shah, the last nawab of Oudh and himself a student of Kathak. Lucknow gharana has roots attached to Wajid Ali Shah. He had a dancer named Thakur Prasadji who contributed to the growth of Kathak. 

Costume sometimes consists of a sari or the costume is a lehenga-choli combination for females. For male it is a custom to be bare-chested and to wear a dhoti below the waist.

Today it is now one of the eight official classical dance forms of India. Birju Maharaj, Acchan Maharaj, Shambhu Maharaj, Lachhu Maharaj and one of the great current dancers still alive today. Many people are working in spreading the popularity of Kathak.

Pandit Chitresh Das

A prolific artist, his performance, choreography and evolution of Kathak, classical dance of North India, have influenced the art form world-wide.As a committed guru, he has trained many dancers who have gone on to establish their own careers in Kathak dance. Trained from the age of nine by his guru, Pandit Ram Narayan Misra, Pandit Das was schooled in both major Kathak traditions, embodying each in his artistry.Pandit Das has also received numerous awards and grants from Olympic Arts Festival, National Endowment for the Arts, National Dance Project, California Arts Council, Rockefeller Foundation, Irvine Fellowships in Dance, among others.

Bharatanatyam: An Indian classical Dance

Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance which has roots attached to southern state of Indian Tamil Nadu. It is one of the oldest dance forms of India. Bharatanatya gets its name from the initial of the following words 'Bha' - Bhavam (means expression), 'Ra' - Ragam (means music), 'Ta - Talam (means beat or rhythm) and Natyam (means dance). Bharatanatyam is knwon for its grace, purity, tenderness, and poses.It was known as "Daasiyattam" since performed by Devadasies in temples of Tamil Nadu long ago.Today, it is one of the most popular and widely performed dance styles and is practiced by male and female dancers all over the world.Bharatnatyam can be found out in many scriptures in which apsaras are found out to perform Bharatanatyam the heavenly dance. It is based on Natya Shastra, the Bible of the classical Indian dance.It is a dance which pleases the senses. It is a dance which is realated to Bhakti. It was brought to the stage for public performance after 1930.

The costume worn during the stage performance is paijama and jacket of Kanchipuram silk and Banaras silk. The dancer wears a lot of ornaments of shining stones on neck, ears, hands, and head, jasmin garland in the hair and foot trinklet with small bells.

The music of Bharatanatyam is based on Carnatic classical music. The instruments used are Veena, Flute, Mridangam and Violin.A song called 'Vaaythari' is sung during the performance. A solo dance performance of Bharatanatyam describes two aspects. First, lasya, the graceful feminine movements, and tandava the dance of Shiva. A dance performance consists of elaborate gestures which includes movements of limbs, sentiments, emotional states and actions. Bharatanatyam dancer often portrays Shiva's characteristic pose of Nataraja.

It is a way of worshipping the lord. It can be considered as a combination of mythological, historical, cultural and sociological heritage. It gives lot of happiness to the performer as well as the audience who enjoy it with involvement.

The female dancer also known as 'narthaki' in hindi performing the dance should possess certain qualities like she should be youthful, slender, beautiful, with large eyes, with well-rounded breasts, self-confident, witty, pleasing, well aware of when to dance and when to stop, able to follow the flow of songs and music, and to dance to the time (thalam), with splendid costumes, and of a happy disposition.

A program of bharata natyam usually lasts two hours without interruption and includes a specific list of procedures and it is mandatory that the dancer cannot leave the stage during the performance. In addition to that she has to wear the same costume during the whole performance.

Kashmiri wedding rituals

Kashmiri wedding ceremonies are also quite simple and conducted in accordance with their own customs and rituals. Kashmiri Weddings are full of joyful and traditional ceremonies. First step towards a Kashmiri wedding is the matching of the horoscopes or teknis of the prospective bride and groom. If the horoscopes match the alliance is finalized. It is a tradition that an auspicious day is chosen for almost every occasion. The wedding can take place in the morning or in the night. Some important wedding rituals are given below.

Formal Engagement or Kasamdry

Once the two families agree to the alliance, the elders of both the families meet in a temple and exchange flowers to formalize the wedding alliance. The ceremony takes place in front of an idol.

Livun

In this ritual the house is cleaned before the wedding. This occurs at the bride and groom places but they can choose the date and time for performing the ritual. In addition to that the family cook puts together a mud-and-brick oven called war in the backyard of the house. This is where the traditional meals will be cooked for the wedding ceremonies.

Maenziraat

It takes place a week prior to the wedding. It involves decorating and beautifying the door of the homes of the bride and the groom. In the evening the bride is bathed where her maternal uncle washes her feet. Next, the bride’s eldest aunt applies heena (known as maanz) on her hands and feet. A meal is served to the guests.

Wanwun

Wanwun or music sessions are held every evening at the houses of the bride and the groom. Relatives and neighbours participate in these sessions. It is held after the feast which occurs after the completion of the maenziraat ritual. The guests are served a salted pink tea called noon or sheer chai at the end of such singing sessions.

Divagone

This ritual marks the transition of the bride and the groom from brahmacharya ashram to grihastha ashram. God Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshiped on this occasion. It is performed in the presence of a priest in front of scared fire. It is observed separately by the girl's family and the boy's family in their respective homes.

Diugun

In this ritual the bride and the groom are applied a paste of curd, gram flour and saffron. After application of the paste they have to take a bath.

Sanzvaru 

In this ritual the groom's family sends cosmetics, mirror, sindoor and a betel leaf covered with gold or silver foil to the girl.

Sri Lankan Wedding

In Sri Lanka you can have a civil wedding, Christian wedding, Buddhist wedding or Muslim wedding. There are varying styles of Sri Lankan wedding and these change in accordance with the region. Here we are going to get familiar with a traditional Buddhist marriage. The stages of the entire marriage take about 45 minutes. The boy’s parents present the formal proposal of marriage to the girl's parent. If both sides agree the horoscopes are matched. If matched the boy visits the girl’s family for the first time where he gets a chance a meet the girl. Rings are exchanged on this occasion.

Nekath  - The auspicious time

‘Nekath’ is the auspicious times when the wedding would be conducted. It is derived from the horoscopes of the Bride and the Groom which is created based on their dates and times of birth. The events conducted during the wedding are guided by ‘Nekath’.

Poruwa  ceremony

The Poruwa ceremony appears to have existed in Sri Lanka before the introduction of Buddhism in the 3rd Century BC. The Poruwa ceremony was a valid custom as a registered marriage until the British introduced the registration of marriages by Law in 1870. Today's Poruwa ceremony has been influenced by both upcountry and low country customs of Sri Lanka.

It is the most important ceremony in a Sri Lankan wedding. The bridegroom and party assemble on the left of the Poruwa and the bridal party on the right. The bride and groom enter the Poruwa leading with the right foot. They greet each other with palms held together in the traditional manner. Betel leaves are offered to gods. Seven betel leaf bundles are offered to the God. The groom holds the tray while the bride takes one sheaf at a time and drops it on the Poruwa. The groom repeats this process. This is a custom carried out to remember seven generations of relatives on each side. Next, the bride’s father places the right hand of the bride on that of the groom as a symbolic gesture of handing over the bride to the bridegroom. Now the maternal uncle enters the Poruwa and ties the small fingers of the bride and groom with a single gold thread which symbolizes unity and then pours water over the fingers. The groom presents a white cloth to the bride and she gives it to her mother. This is an expression of the groom's gratitude.

Wedding procession

The bridegroom arrives in procession at the prescribed auspicious time, accompanies sometimes by drummers and dancers. The bride’s brother washes the feet of his brother-in-law, and the bridegroom responds by presenting him with a gold ring which is he drops into the basin of water. Also at a prescribed time the bride arrives. After the arrival of the bride the bridegroom puts a chain around the bride’s neck and a wedding ring on her finger.

Burmese Wedding Rituals

The Burmese are very jolly in nature. It is their natural characteristics. Arranged marriage is not a custom of the Burmese. Weddings are avoided from July to October. Getting married in Burmese is known as “ein htaung chya deir”. It means getting into jail or getting imprisoned. It is a mutual agreement to live as wife and husband. Women regard the wedding ceremony very seriously because it is a once in a life time occasion. Depending on financial status of the families concerned, the wedding ceremony may be simple or elaborated or modified. Myanmar does not have a custom to give dowry.

Traditional alliance

When a boy and a girl come of age and, love one another and will want to marry and live happy ever after, a wedding ceremony will be performed for them where their parents, relatives, honourable guests and friends are invited, so that they will be recognized as a newly married couple. A traditional alliance is full of strict rituals.

First of all an auspicious day and time is chosen according to the birthdays of the couple. The couple has to wear a formal dress of a particular colour decided beforehand.

Second the guests arriving on the venue would leave their gifts on along table set our front, and in turn be presented with a flower tucked into a thank-you card

Third the flowers colours enter the venue with gilded cups which is an indication that the groom would arrive soon. The groom arrives. He is preceded by his parents. The groom gets seated on a round table.

Next the bride arrives with her bridesmaid and the wedding ceremony begins. The master of ceremonies will recite a specially written stanza. The right hand of the groom and the left hand of the bride are tied and perfumed water will be poured from a silver cup. Latter the hands will be unwrapped.

Latter a speech on the responsibilities of Marriage is given by the elders of the bride and the groom. The guests are treated to refreshments offered by the couple.

Court Marriage Ceremony

There are also court marriages usually performed by judges. Court marriage requires judge as well as witnesses. Not so large a number of guests have already gathered, as the ceremony is to commence soon. Firstly the bride signed her signature to two copies of the marriage documents and the groom-followed suit. After the witnesses signed, the judge gave his blessing and best wishes and signed in the document and the court register. Thus, the couple became husband and wife legally. With the successful conclusion of the ceremony, the invited guests are having refreshments offered by the newlywed couple. Henceforth, the new couple is going to raise a happy family

Himachal Pradesh Pre-Wedding rituals

Brahm form of marriage is very popular in the region. It is an elaborate procedure and involves a series of rites and rituals. It is also known as Vedic marriage. Here is a detailed description of pre-wedding rituals performed in a Brahm form of marriage.

Laganotri

In this rituals the prohits of two sides meet and decide the whole schedule of the marriage. They choose the appropriate dates for the further rituals. Two copies of the schedule are prepared. The copies are then handed over to the each side. These copies are called laganotri. It is a custom to pay a certain fees to the priest. This laganotri has a great significance as it prescribes the time when first ornament or cloth is to be prepared. In addition to that it also contains the suitable time for the collection of food. This is also known as sarvarambha muhurat.

Neundra

This ritual is performed seven, five or three days before the marriage.  It occurs at both the sides. In this ritual both sides invite their close relatives and one person from each house of the village. The list is prepared by the village prohit, barber and some people from the village. Next invitations are sent to these people. It is a custom to send invitation in odd numbers.  On the other hand ladies from the village assemble at the bride’s home and sing songs and dance.

Drub Ceremony

This is a most important ritual which occurs on the day or two days before the marriage. In this ritual the groom’s sister or sister in law offers arti. Tilak is applied on the forehead of the bridegroom.  At the bride’s side maternal uncle is called. He is a special invitee. The bride’s mother receives him. He also shares some of the financial status which is called as ‘dharm dan’.

Batna

It occurs three, five or seven days before the marriage. Batna is applied to the bride and groom at the respective home. It is a paste made from barley flour, turmeric, orange and mustard oil. According to the tradition the special paste batna is applied by relatives turn by turn. Mehndi is also applied on the hand and feet. The mustard oil remaining is applied on the hair of the groom. This custom is known as chhota tel.

Sand

It is performed during the night time a day before the marriage. The suitable time is calculated by the priest. The priest conducts a haven. The planets, Lord Ganesh and kalash are also worshipped. They are worshipped to invoke their blessing for a hassle free termination of the marriage. This ritual is performed by the both the parties at their respective home.  

Chhattisgarhi Pre-Wedding Rituals

A Chhattisgarhi wedding is a 4 to 5 day affair. The rituals followed in the marriage represent the belief of the people of the state. Various gods and goddesses are worshiped on the day of the marriage in the house of the groom and the bride. The bridegroom should always be older than the bride. Marriages are always celebrated during the months of Magh and Phagun.

Marriage proposal

The boy's parents and relatives go to the girl’s house with their proposal. The girl's parent serves them a delicious meal. After that they get seated and start talking about marriage proposal in the best possible or ideal way. In Chhattisgarh it is a tradition to speak neither too slow, nor in too hurry. It is called 'Saga-Neti talk'. The boy’s parents keep the proposal in a calm and polite manner.

Sagai or Faldan

If the girl’s parents accept the proposal then a date is fixed for engagement. It is also called 'Panch Piye Pindhan'.The wedding clothes and jewellery are given to the girl. It is a custom that the girl has to wear the dress presented to her by their in-laws and come to the hall where the guests are seated. It is done to show that the girl is now in very good condition physically & mentally. After that a date of marriage is fixed. The boy’s party has to give the pre estimated amount of rice to the girl party.

Haldi Ceremony

This ceremony is conducted separately in the house of the groom and the bride. A paste of rice and urad daal is prepared. It is applied on the bodies of boy and girl. Next they are made to take a bath. After the bath a paste made of boiled turmeric is applied. Due to application of the paste the skin of the bride and groom becomes more vibrant & radiant. In addition to that a 'paan leaf ' is tied up on the bride’s leg. A 'kakan maur' is ties on the groom's forehead. It is made of bamboo flakes & colored papers.

Fertilising action of rain

The bridegroom’s father sends a present of a bracelet and seven small earthen cups to the bride. She is seated in the open, and seven women hold the cups over her head one above the other. Water is then poured from above from one cup into the other, each being filled in turn and the whole finally falling on the bride’s head. This probably symbolises the fertilising action of rain.

Erection of Mandap

A four pillar mandap is erected which is made up of bamboo and it is covered by fabric at the top. It is the place where all rituals of marriage take place.

Feeding the Groom

On the wedding day before the barat proceeds to the bride's house the groom's mother feed him with gur and water. It is a ritual that the groom can't take a meal during the wedding day.

Welcoming the Groom

In Chhattisgarh the groom gets a warm welcome and the famous welcome song 'Baratiya padharin' is sung to show the respect to the groom. The groom is worshiped by the priest at the welcome gate.