Kinnauri Nati

Originating in the region of Himachal, Kinnaur Nati is the traditional folk dance which is often performed on the New Year. With an environmental background, The Kinauri nati adds a regal feel to the festivity. Representing the joy of a good harvest, this dance has sneaked its way into the very cultural essence of this state and is now an integral part of its folk dance culture.

Theme of Kinnauri Nati

The intrinsic premise of Kinnaur performance is to a great extent comparable to the Bhangra Dance of Punjab. Although lacking pace, the sequences make the dance worth its majesty. Depicting all the activities of sowing the crop till its reaping, the dancers repeat the graceful actions of their bodies and symbolize the loveliness of the state. Moreover, the song offers a presentation of the mildness of the mountainous zephyr, gradually curving river and the musical swaying of trees.

Costumes

Earlier restricted to the males in the community, the dance is also now available for the women to join who contribute to the existing grace of the dance. Men usually are dressed in churidars with pyjamas and also don ornamented caps. Occasionally, the dress includes the Chola or the top coat. Whereas the Women dancers wear an outfit that includes the Ghaghra or the skirt, the Gachi, the Lachhi, the floral shawl and the Boomani with silver chains, tight churidar pyjamas. Tunki and Chanki are the heavy ornaments that are worn by the dancing women around their necks. While the dancers perform, each one of them hold an elaborate fan in one hand and a colorful hankie in another and keep clapping during the dance. With vibrant dresses worn by the men, the dance looks glorious on stage while the glamour factor is highlighted with the heavily ornamented women.

Characteristics

The music is designed in a way that it resembles the flowing breeze of the hills. The Kinnauri Natia finds its bases in the beat and rhythm of a region which is diverse from region to region. Depending on the pace, there are a total of thirteen variations in Kinnauri Natia. Needing skillful musicians, each performance demands around 8 to 9 musician of the accompanying instruments which vary from the Drums, the Shehnai, the Cymbals and the Ranasinga. Its expression of happiness makes it a very popular dance form in the Himachal.

Format

Extremely famous dances amongst the locals of Himachal Pradesh, The Kinnauri Nati Dancers bond their hands and create movement in accordance to the melody and beat. The variation in them gives birth to thirteen styles. Traditionally, this dance was performed by the men who wore elaborate clothes, caps etc. But today, women have also made their foray in the field of dance which can be performed today without any barrier of cast, gender or even age making it a truly popular dance form. Basically belonging to the Lasya variety, this dance performed for3 to 4 days equally in mourning and in nights and is believed to be a dance of slow-movement.