Dance of Madhya Pradesh

The most famous of all the dance of Madhya Pradesh is the world famous Khajuraho Dances which are performed during the Khajuraho Dance Festival. Dances like the Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kathak and many other classical dances are displayed with the Khajuraho temples as a backdrop.

The Gaur Dance of the Sing Marias or Tallaguda Marias of South Bastar is an extremely energized dance sequence depicting the spirit of hunting. The word ‘Gaur’ itself means bison and the dance movements reflects ferocity, intensity and hunting skill. The dance is accompanied with flutes and drum beats by the men folk while the females dance with jingling anklets. Horns and feathers adorn their head-gears and attire and it gives a great effect while they toss and dance in their circular and other dance patterns.

The Mauria dances of North Bastar are traditional dances performed during the auspicious occasion of marriage. The drums are first worshiped and then the invocation of ‘Lingo Pen’, the phallic deity of the tribe, follows. Other dance of Madhya Pradesh like the Hulki is very artistic. The Kaksar dance belongs to the Abujmaria tribe in Bastar and is performed to please the deity of bounty for blessings of a good harvest. The Saila dance is the post harvest dance for celebration and fun.