Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh form a vital element in the zest and joy of living of the tribal people in Arunachal Pradesh. The dances of the people of Arunachal Pradesh</b> express their joy, love, gratitude and emotions. Most of the Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh are performed adorn with best traditional costumes, decorated spears and multicoloured beads and ornaments. In Arunachal Pradesh, dance varies from martial steps and folk dances to highly specialized form of dance performed by the Buddhists.Different Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh
The folk dances of Arunachal Pradesh are as follows:
Taapu Dance: This is a war dance of the Adi Tribes based on the myth of a struggling life of Tani (man) for survival. This dance is performed in order to drive out the evils from the village.
Taapu Dance: This is a war dance of the Adi Tribes based on the myth of a struggling life of Tani (man) for survival. This dance is performed in order to drive out the evils from the village.
Ponung Dance: Ponung dance falls in the celebratory dance category where the young women execute the dance holding each others’ hands and moving in circles. The dance celebrates the crop season and mythological songs often relate the source of paddy and crops.
Daminda Dance: This artistic dance belongs to the Apatani Tribes. It is performed during the Dree festival to celebrate the beginning of rice planting season when the people pray for a good harvest and protection from natural calamities.
Wancho Dance: Wancho Dance belongs to a particular tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. According to the name of that tribe, "Wancho" the dance is named. This dance is preformed
Classification of Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh
Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh can be generally classified into four different groups of dances naturally enacted for a host of purposes. They are as follows:
1. Festive Dance performances which are mostly celebration orientated folk dances celebrated in individual occasions.
2. Ritualistic Dance is another type of folk dance in Arunachal Pradesh done with much enthusiasm through certain rituals.
3. Recreational Dance is performed as part of spare time purpose. These dances are not performed as part of any ceremony or festival although they are part of firm occasions creating a happy and joyful impression.
4. Pantomimes are a Dance Drama which aims at depicting a mythological story entitled with a moral.
Different Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh
The folk dances of Arunachal Pradesh are as follows:
Ponung Dance: Ponung dance falls in the celebratory dance category where the young women execute the dance holding each others’ hands and moving in circles. The dance celebrates the crop season and mythological songs often relate the source of paddy and crops.Daminda Dance: This artistic dance belongs to the Apatani Tribes. It is performed during the Dree festival to celebrate the beginning of rice planting season when the people pray for a good harvest and protection from natural calamities.
Wancho Dance: Wancho Dance belongs to a particular tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. According to the name of that tribe, "Wancho" the dance is named. This dance is preformed only in special occasions like festivals and ceremonies.
Taapu Dance: This is a war dance of the Adi Tribes based on the myth of a struggling life of Tani (man) for survival. This dance is performed in order to drive out the evils from the village.
