Dance. The word conjures up vivid images of visual joy and an expression of buoyant spirits. Barada Nat is the epitome of celebrating such lively spirits. Also called Barada Nati, it is a folk dance from Uttarakhand. The origins of this dance form can be traced to Jaunsar tribe from Jaunsar Bhawar area of Dehradun.
As apparent in the video by the Sanskar Folk Dance Group*, the dance is heady mix of drama and dance. Men and women dress up in colourful clothes and come together for special occasions, to tell a story through their dance.
While it is a lesser-known dance form for most of us, it is highly popular among the locals of Garhwal region. It is said that this dance is truly channeled by a free soul, which is truly visible in the faces of dancers from Sanskar Folk Dance Group. A major goal of this dance is to lift spirits and rejuvenate the soul. People from all over the state come together to watch the performances of the groups, as they are reserved for special occasions.
-Arka Gohil
*Sanskar Sanskritik Avom Paryavaran Sanrakshan Samiti - Nayalkhola Almora Uttarakhand - 263601 (YouTube)
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