The Bhopalites enjoyed a delightful evening witnessing Chhattisgarhi folk dance ‘Panthi’. A dance event was organised here on Wednesday at Baithak- The Art House.

The dance event was organised by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under its Horizon series. The Panthi dance was performed by the dancers of International Panthi Dance Troupe, Jarway. The dance was choreographed and lead by Milap Das Banjare from Chhattisgarh.

It is to be noted that Panthi dance is one of the important dance forms of Chhattisgarh State of India. This Indian folk dance is basically a prominent ritual of the Satnami community of Chhattisgarh. The dance is very expressive in its depiction and is performed to the accompaniment of melodious songs.

The dance reflects the rich cultural heritage and traditional legacies of the indigenous tribal groups of the region. It bears religious overtones and epitomizes the unique dance styles of the state. Panthi a dance of Satnami community in Chhattisgarh is devotional in nature and has a religious connotation.

It is noteworthy that the district of Durg has great importance in the history of Chattisgarh as it is one of the main communities from the ancient time. Panthi is mainly danced to depict the importance of Durg district to the people. Performed on Maghi Purnima - the birth anniversary of Guru Baba Ghasidas, the dance is evolving still to include a variety of steps and patterns.

Panthi dance was enacted with tremendous excitement before the Bhopalites. The dance is unique in its music, rhythm and form reverberated through the habitation of the state. It was a spellbinding experience for the music and dance lovers to watch it.