Nrityanjali – An Online Film Festival

Nrityanjali is an online film festival where India’s leading classical dancers perform and showcase talent. In 2020, the film festival was held from 23rd to 25th of September by the Films Division of India. Dance forms of India like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Manipuri, Odissi, Sattriya, Mohiniattam, and Kuchipudi were included in the festival. The festival is streamed on Films Divisions and its YouTube channel.

The film festival was conducted for three days and screened by the judges, Sitara Devi, Yamini Krishnamurthy, Guru Amubi Singh, and A Luminous Jewel-Pt. Birju Maharaj, Kalamandalam Gopi, Kanak Rele, Dreamer – Swapna Sundari, Sonal, Raja-Radha, and Padma. Other than dance, this program also consists of music and recitation in local languages.

Dance Forms of India

India is rich in cultural heritage. The Dance forms of India have originated from the country’s epics, mythology, and old traditions. According to Hindu mythology, dance is believed to have been devised by Lord Brahma. The Hindu deities Krishna, Kali, and Shiva often epitomize while dancing. There are many dance forms of India, which are classified into classical and folk dances. 

Classical dance forms of India 

The classical dance originated from Natya Shastra, a traditional dance that illuminates emotions, sentiments or feelings through poetry, drama and dance. Gestures, steps, and poses are important for this art form. There are different styles and forms of classical dance.

• Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is a Hindu form of Indian classical dance in South India. It originated in Tamil Nadu. It originated from 200 BCE to 200 CE and is thus considered 2000.

• Kathak

Kathak is a dance form that originated in Uttar Pradesh. The ancient travelling bards of northern India known as Kathakars invented this art form. It is also practised in the nearby states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi.

• Kuchipudi

Kuchipudi is an ancient dance form of India that originated in the 17th century. It originated from a village named Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh.

• Odissi

Odissi dance is practised in the eastern coastal part of India. It originated from the Hindu temples of Odisha. Lord Jagannath is considered the God of Odissi Dance.

• Kathakali

It is a “story play” genre of art practised in the southwestern region of Kerala. It is a beautiful dance form performed by people with make-up, costumes, and face masks. Facial expressions and hand and foot movements are the main components of Kathakali.

• Manipuri

As the name suggests, it originated from Manipur. It is also referred to as Manipuri Raas Leela. This dance form is characterized by gentle eyes and soft peaceful body movements. 

• Mohiniyattam

It is another Indian classical dance that originated in Kerala. It was made between 200 BCE and 200 CE and is related to the story of Lord Vishnu, who transforms into Mohini, one of his avatars. 

• Satriya 

It is a major Indian classical dance from Assam which is also called as Sattriya nritya .Dance drama with origin of krishna

Folk Dance

Unlike classical dance, folk dances are performed during celebrations, festivals, weddings, etc. There are several folk dances in different states of India. Some of them are listed below.

• Andhra Pradesh: Vilasini Natyam, Bhamakalpam
• Arunachal Pradesh: Biya, Chalo, Wancho
• Assam: Bihu, Bichhua
• Bihar: Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain
• Kerala: Uttam Thullal

Kerala Classical Dance

Kerala, known as God’s state, has around 50 dance forms such as Thiruvathirakali, Theyyam, Koodiyattam, Chakyar koothu etc. In most dance forms, performers are adorned with attractive costumes and ornaments. These classical dance forms are performed in all school programs in the state. 

• Kathakali

Kathakali is a classical dance that originated around 500 years ago and is practised in the southern state of Kerala. It includes dance, drama, music, and religious theme. The important thing in this dance form is the performer’s facial expressions. The word Kathakali means storytelling. The whole performance is based on a story and is performed like storytelling. A man performs it. 

• Thiruvathirakali

Womenfolk perform Thiruvathirakali during the festival of Onam in Kerala. Women have dressed alike in “Pattu Sari.” and perform this dance in a circle around “Onam Pookalam” to welcome “Mahabali”, an ancient ruler of Kerala. The women perform their dance rhythmically based on a tune in a circle.

Karnataka Classical Dance

Dance forms of Karnataka have made a great contribution to our nation. Both folk and classical dances of Karnataka are famous. Karnataka is a major supporter of classical dance, and the common dances practised in Karnataka are mentioned below.

• Bharatanatyam

Mysore’s incorporation of Bharatanatyam is the state’s oldest and one of the most popular dance forms. There are many institutions in Karnataka to teach this dance. The Bharatanatyam is taught to children from the age of 6 years. 

• Kathak

Even though Kathak originated in Uttar Pradesh, it is also practised in Karnataka. It is a dance form that evolved during the Bhakti movement. It is referred to as the childhood days of Hindu God Lord Krishna.

Conclusion

Classical dance forms of India are performed at the Nrityanjali film festival. It gives people a chance to show their talents to the world. The first part of Nrityanjali showcased 10 films on the lifeworks of India’s leading classical dancers.