Dhimsa
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
A group dance of the tribal communities of the Eastern Ghats, in which men and women link arms and move in circles to drums and pipes.
TribalWhere: Araku Valley and Paderu hills, Alluri Sitharama Raju district (also southern Odisha)Occasion: Seasonal festivals, weddings and village gatherings
| Performed by | Men and women of communities such as the Porja, Kondadora and Bagata |
|---|---|
| Costume | Colourful saris and blouses for women with silver jewellery and flowers; men in dhotis, often with headbands |
| Music and instruments | Drums such as the dappu and kiridi, with the mohuri (a reed pipe) |
How it is performed
- Dancers form a line or circle, holding hands or linking arms at the waist.
- The leader sets the pace and the group follows his steps, moving forward and back together.
- The steps change with each piece, from slow swaying to fast hops.
- Groups of dancers may answer each other in song while the musicians play in the centre.
Significance
Dhimsa expresses the unity and joy of hill communities. It is now performed at the Araku Utsav and on stages to show the culture of the Eastern Ghats.