The traditional music and dance has a unique essence in its rhythm and moves. The Bhopal music lovers enjoyed the essence of Rajasthani folk music and Odisha’s Mayurbhanj Chhau here on Sunday.
Under the Uttaradhikar series of performances, the Jassu Khan and Manganiar Group presented Manganiar songs at Madhya Pradesh State Tribal Museum. This was followed with Chhau dance of Odisha.
In the realm of the folk dance and music one cannot think of Rajasthan without this important element of its folk life. ‘Kesariya Balam Padharo Mare Des’ is an outstanding and immensely catchy traditional composition of perennial beauty and rustic charm, left the audiences mesmerized at the show. The Manganiar group went on playing songs like ‘Neembuda and Damadum Maskalandar’.
Manganiars played the traditional music instruments on stage. The instruments include Kamaayacha, Dholak, Khartaal, Morchang, Dhol, Matakaa, Sataara, Sindhi Sarangi, Murali, Tandura, Jaltaal, and Harmonium. All the musical instruments were tuned to a single scale and played together. Some of the compositions played were very complicated and rare, while others were traditional and popular melodies.
later, the Mayurbhanj Chhau was performed by the artists of Rangashri little Ballet Troupe, Bhopal. Basically, the themes for chhau dance include local legends, folklore and episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata and other abstract themes. The protagonists are both classical and mythical, like the lord Shiva, goddess Durga, Kartik, Ganesha, Kirat, Ravana, Mahishasur and others.
The Mayurbhanj Chhau dance is performed in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. Usually people recognize Chhau dance with heavy masks and the folklore told in extravagant way. But, the Mayurbhanj Chhau dance is practiced without masks. Besides, the themes for chhau dance include local legends, folklore and other abstract themes.
The artists presented the arrow practice of the Pandavas and narrated a short story of a fisherman through the dance drama.
Further, the lighting effect was such that explains the expression of the scene. The use of red, green and blue light effect strengthened their performance and it was more like an opera performance.