Dandiya - Folk Dance of Western India

Dandiya (Raas), along with Garba, is the featured dance of Navratri evenings in Western India. The word "Raas" comes from Sanskrit word "Ras". Origins of Raas can be traced to ancient times. Lord Krishna performed "Raas Lila". There are several forms of Raas, but "Dandia Raas", performed at Navratiri time in Gujarat is the most popular form. There are other forms of Raas, namely Dang Lila from Rajasthan where only one large stick is used and "Raas lila" from north India. Raas Lila and Dandia Raas are similar. Some even consider "Garba" as a form of Raas, namely "Raas Garba". In Dandia Raas men and women dance in two circles, with sticks in their hands. In the old times Raas did not involve much singing, just the beat of Dhol was enough. "Dandia" or sticks, are anout 18" long. Each dancer holds two although some times when they are short on Dandiya they will use just one in right hand. Generally in a four beat rythem opposite sides hit the sticks at the same time, creating a nice sound. One circle goes clockwise and another counter clock wise. In the west, people don't form full circle, but often form raws. Raas is also performed at social functions and on stage. Staged Raas can be very complex with intricate steps and music. Raas is a folk art and it will change with times. When African slaves and ship workers (who are Muslims) arrrived on the coast of Saurashtra (Part of state of Gujrat India, they adopted rass as theor own and used African drums. While it orginated from Hindu tradition it was adopted by the Muslim cummunity is Saurashtra. Singing entered the Raas scene later on. Most songs were about lord Krishna initially but topics such as love, praise of worriers who fought galant wars, Godess Durga and even Muslim Raas songs were born. It is common to think that Raas has to be fast, but that is not the case. Grace and slow movements are just as important. With the advent of C-60 cassettes came the pre-recorded "non stop" Raas music. Soon it overtook the individual Raas items which are rarely recorded now a days. The disco beat and use of western drum became popular, but you can still visit fine arts college in Vadodara India during Navratri where the musicians sit in the center and play while people dance around them. Gujrati movies entered the scene in late 50's and 60's. Raas took on a different form as it borrowed heavily from the film industry. There are other unique forms of Raas such as one in town of Mahuva where men would tie one hand to a rope extending from above and hold a stick in one hand. This was strictly in praise of Godess Durga. If you use broader definition, even "Manjira" can be used to do Raas. There are comminities that specialize in Raas with "Manjira". Just like the British police, some men dancing at "Tarnetar" used to wear colorful bands of cloth around their legs, resembling socks. City of Mumbai developed its own style of Dandia Raas and now a days during Navratri people use Dandiya but make it more like a free style dance. "Head bobbing" during Raas is popular in USA among youngsters but that arrived from the Gujrati movies. Head bobboing was for the singers, not for the dancers. A new form or Raas is taking place in the USA. This is mostly a show item where college students of Indian origin mix non stop Raas music with strong drum beats and stunts along with "themes" such as wedding, Star Wars and Lion King. They freely mix traditional steps with other steps. Raas will always be dynamic as it represents the circle of life, beating of heart. It is a live folk form that has changed with time and will keep changing.

Originating as devotional Garba dances, which were always performed in Durga's honor, this dance form is actually the staging of a mock-fight between the Goddess and Mahishasura, the mighty demon-king, and is nicknamed "The Sword Dance". During the dance, dancers eneregetically whirl and move their feet and arms in a complicated, choreographed manner to the tune of the music with various rhythms. The dhol is used as well as complementary percussion instruments such as the dholak, tabla and others.

The sticks (dandiyas) of the dance represent the sword of Durga. The women wear traditional dresses such as colorful embroidered choli, ghagra and bandhani dupattas (traditional attire) dazzling with mirror work and heavy jewelery. The men wear special turbans and kedias, but this varies regionally.

Garba is performed before Aarti (worshipping ritual) as devotional performances in the honor of the Goddess, while Dandiya is performed after it, as a part of merriment. Men and women join in for Raas Dandiya, and also for the Garba. The circular movements of Dandiya Raas are much more complex than those of Garba. The origin of these dance performances or Raas is Krishna. Today, Raas is not only an important part of Navratree in Gujarat, but extends itself to other festivals related to harvest and crops as well. The Mers of Saurastra are noted to perform Raas with extreme energy and vigour.