Music and Dance of West Bengal - 1 | WBCS Preparation: All Subjects - WBCS (West Bengal) PDF Download

Dances of West Bengal

Folk Dances of West Bengal

• Brita Dance
  West Bengal, known for its festive culture and artistic charm, is home to various folk music and dance forms. Among these, Brita Dance, also called Vrita Dance, holds a special significance, adding to the cultural richness of the state.
• Gambhira Dance
  Folk dances in West Bengal, integral to Bengali culture, were initially rooted in agriculture and devotion. Over time, the focus shifted from agricultural to devotional dances, giving rise to the Gambhira Dance. This devotional dance is a prominent feature of Bengal's cultural landscape.
• Chhau Dance
  Chhau Dance, a renowned tribal martial dance in India, goes by different names in different regions. In West Bengal, it is known as Purulia Chhau, with its origins traced back to the Purulia district. The dance distinguishes itself from its counterparts, offering a unique expression of tribal martial arts.
• Santhal Dance
  The Santhal tribe, prevalent in West Bengal and Jharkhand, celebrates its rich cultural heritage through music and dance. Devotees of the deity 'Thakurji,' the Santhal tribe expresses its reverence for nature, conveying messages and offering prayers through rhythmic movements to music.
• Tusu Dance
  West Bengal, known for its cultural diversity, boasts specific folk dances tied to various festivals. The Tusu Dance of Birbhum district, performed during the month of Pausa (December and January), exemplifies this tradition, linking dance and music to the rhythms of festive seasons.
• Lathi Dance
  Dance serves as a unique form of expression, encapsulating a range of emotions. The Lathi Dance of West Bengal, performed during Muharram, articulates feelings of remorse and anger associated with this Muslim festival. Lathi players showcase their art during the initial ten days of Muharram at various locations, making it a poignant and expressive cultural display.