Tag: Heritage

West Bengal Folk Dances

Dancing Around India: Chapter 7 – West Bengal Folk Dances

Srishti Bhattacharyya

The fourth dance form that the couple talked about is the Raibense Dance, performed mostly by a group of male dancers, which is a representation of the Bratachari tradition of Bengal. It is an ancient dance form that originated in Bengal and is a reminder of the expertise of the Bengalese in the military field. The word ‘Rai’ means kingly and royal and the word ‘Bense’ comes from ‘bansh’ or bamboo. This dance form consists of the men dancing with bamboo sticks and props and imitating fighting and acrobatics so as to display their control over the art. Seeing this dance form will give the audience an idea about the valour of the ancient people of Bengal. The Kanshi and Dhol are the only instruments used in this dance form. The clanging sound of the Kanshi and the rhythmic beat of the Dhol can generate a sense of courage in the heart of the dancers. The costume is a simple dhoti stripped with red clothing that signifies valour. It was modified to its present form by an ICS, Shri Gurusaday Dutta.

Odissi - feature - TCP

Dancing Around India: Chapter 6 – Odissi

Srishti Bhattacharyya

Kasturi Pattanaik was another individual who played a huge role in the development of traditional Odissi dance into a contemporary form. She, with her creations, had left a deep and artistic impact in the minds of the people which affected the growth and evolution of Odissi. Her new concepts, themes and techniques, helped Odissi to develop from its former Mahari, Gotipua to its current form.

importance of heritage tourism in India - Feature - TCP

Importance of heritage tourism in India

Soham Mitra

Given the variations in the customs and traditions and the philosophy ingrained behind each state of India, heritage tourism is a potential proponent for the upliftment of local economies. Creating opportunities for tourists by the virtue of heritage tourism not only strengthens the importance of preserving heritage sites but also paves the way for diversified economies with each place retaining its unique socio-cultural features.

Dancing Around India: Chapter 5 – Kuchipudi

Srishti Bhattacharyya

The traditional dance form Kuchipudi, which is also the favourite of dance form of Lord Krishna, begins with an invocation, followed by all the dancers introducing themselves with respect to the roles they are playing. After this, they perform a short dance set to a music called ‘Dharavu’ and then present the pure dance performance along with the rhythmic hand gestures for the story. It is one of the most popular dance forms in India and has seen huge growth throughout the years. Kuchipudi is now performed not just in India, but worldwide as well.

Dancing Around India: Chapter 4 – Bharatanatyam

Aritri Chatterjee

She is going to visit a very prestigious Bharatnatyam school there; named Kalai maṟṟum paṭaippāṟṟal (Centre for Art & Creativity). She already had breakfast at Chinamma’s house before leaving. Chinamma cared for her like a mother.

Dancing Around India: Chapter 2 – Mohiniyattam

Aritri Chatterjee

 – (Reading Time: 12 min Approx) Next morning around, 11 o’clock Sunetra got down at Trivandrum Central, railway station. The cool breeze and greenery all around whispered to her ears – “Welcome, Sunetra! Kerala was waiting for you”.  She opened Read more