Overview
The Satnami Comunity of Chattisgarh observes the most important ritual through a folk dance known as the Panthi dance. The dance involves a lot of gestures and expressions also rhythmic steps along the melodious songs
History
The tribes of the Chattisgarh state perform this dance which is full of cultural heritage and traditions. The dance is unique with a variety of steps and style. The history of the Durg- the district of Chattisgarh is very ancient and has a great importance. It has religious cannotations. The durg is an ancient community. This dance is mainly performed to commemorate the birth of Guru Baba Ghasidas and it is popularly known as the Maghi Purnima. The dance is still evolving so as to include new steps and a whole new trend of patterns
The Satnami of the Chhattisgarh is a tribe and the Panthi dance is a dance evolved from these tribal habitats. The dance is devoted to the philosophy of the satnami as the satnamis believe in the ideology and concept of Nirvana. The birth anniversary of Guru Ghasi Das, is celebrated by performing this beautiful dance which is their best pastime. The Panthi dance is enacted by the native performers with great enthusiasm and energy. The music and the dance create the vibrancy which echo throughout the state.
Performance
In the memory of their spiritual leader, Guru Baba Ghasidas, the performers who are mainly the male participants perform dance movements around a Jaitk-hamb which is assembled for the occasion. The songs of saint Kabir and Dadu and GuruRamdas convey the spirit of self-denial.
There is a lot of flexibility seen and a lot of dance steps involving slow body movements are seen therefore it is very challenging. A lot of stamina is needed to perform the dance. The dance is performed in a very devotional manner where the lead singer sings the song and it is followed by the rest of the group. The dancers who are mostly the participants from the Panthi Nritya Mandir even form human pyramids and perform various acrobatics.
Costume
The life of the people of the Chattisgar region is portrayed by the costume worn by the Pathi dancers. They are colourful at the same time traditional in appearance. A few ornaments are also worn by the dancers.
Musical Instruments
The Mridanga and Jhaanj are the main instruments to perform the Panthi Dance. The performers dance along with the loud beats of drums.
To learn how to play musical instruments like the Mridanga, or carnatic or classical music, please do contact us at Kalapeet.