The dance named Charkula is performed by the women of the Braj region in Uttar Pradesh. In this dance, the women wear a veil and carry large multi-tiered circular wooden pyramids on heads, and dance on the songs of Lord Krishna. The spirally arranged pyramids contain 108 lighted oil lamps. on the auspicious occasion of Holi on the third day, this dance is performed as it is believed that Radha was born on the day.
It is believed that Radha’s grandmother ran with a Charakula on the head to announce the birth of Radha. Brajbhoomi’s most popular dance form is the Charkula which is famous to be performed due to various festivities.
Lord Krishna’s aspects are connected and found in the culture of the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh. The Charakula dance that is the folk dance of the Braj region has, in reality, had originated from a legend of Lord Krishna. The victory of Lord Krishna and the entire cowherd community of Braj over the Indra is celebrated through the Charkula dance. This is a symbol of victory and joyful rapture. The Govardhan Leela is reenacted by the dancing damsel of Braj and in the act, she raises the 50-kilo Charkula on her head during the performance.