When 85 tribal artists from across the country took over the stage, the event was more than an extravagant one. Observing the foundation ceremony of Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum, a grand dance drama ‘Karma’ was staged at museum here on Tuesday.

It is to be noted that Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum was set up in Bhopal on June 6, 2013. Observing the fifth foundation anniversary, various programmes are being organised at the museum.

The series of six-day long event began with the tribal folk dance ‘Karma’ by 85 artistes. Choreographed by Chandra Madhav Barik, the dance showcased the story of King Karamchand. 85 tribal artists from Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh beautifully presented the Karma dance before the Bhopalites.

The entire hall was packed with the art lovers of the city as they took pleasure of each performance on stage. Other than this grand dance event, various tribal artists showcased their dances and music performances in open areas of the museum.

Set at the pictorial background of tribal art of Madhya Pradesh, the beautiful Karma dance was performed traditionally. The traditional instruments of Madhya Pradesh Mantar and Gudgum Bajaa were also used during the performance making it more impressive.

According to the traditional story Karma dance is a tribal community dance performed by the Gonds, Binjahal, Kharia, Oraon, Kisan and Kol and other tribal annually during the karma festival.  It is performed in the tribal dominant areas of Western Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Karma means 'fate'. This folk dance is performed during the worship of the god of fate which is known as Karam Devta.

The dance was followed with classical singing by Kamla Shrivastava and Basanti Devi.