The entire atmosphere at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela was filled with the vibrant traditional music of Chhattisgarh as artistes from the State performed various dance forms at ‘Chaupal’ throughout the day. The day began with a breathtaking performance by Milap Das Banjare and his group. The group presented ‘panthi’, a dance form of Satnami community.
The dancers paid homage to Sant Guru Ghasidas with their energetic presentation that blended the physical with the spiritual. The audiences were stunned by the flexibility and stamina of the dancers. The dance that began with slow body movements gradually turned into a high powered performance.
Acrobatic moves and formation of human pyramid by the dancers received huge applause. The crowd was totally captivated by ‘Dewar Karma’ dance by Poonam Virat and her group. Those present at the ‘Chaupal’ could not resist from being swayed away with the rhythm of ‘Mandar’ and ‘Jhaanj’, traditional instruments used while performing ‘Ras Karma’ dance. Ramji Rathiya and his group performed ‘Ras Karma’, a form of karma dance. Both women and men were seen taking part in the dance. The male dancers leap forward while women bend down to the ground.
The audiences were enthralled to see the steps moving in absolute rhythm. Gaur dance performance by laxmi Sori and group showcased the dance form of Bison Horn Marias of south Bastar. Dancers wearing head-dresses decorated with ‘cowries’ and peacock feather perform dance moves similar to that of the movement of a bison. Artistes from Chhattisgarh also performed Mao-pata and Sarhul at the mela premises.