Saang (Swang) of rural Delhi
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
An open-air folk musical theatre of the villages of rural Delhi and neighbouring Haryana, telling old stories through song, dialogue and dance.
Folk theatreWhere: Villages of rural Delhi (Dehat), shared with HaryanaOccasion: Village fairs, festivals and celebrations after the harvest
| Performed by | Troupes of men led by a master (saangi); men traditionally played women's roles |
|---|---|
| Costume | Everyday village dress for most characters, with turbans, scarves and simple costumes for kings and queens |
| Music and instruments | Harmonium, dholak, nagara and sarangi, with songs in Haryanvi |
How it is performed
- The troupe performs on an open platform with the audience sitting on all sides.
- The story unfolds through long sung verses, often in question-and-answer form, with spoken dialogue between songs.
- Actors dance and move around the stage as they sing, so every side of the audience can see them.
- Stories come from folk legends, epics and tales of love and valour, and include moral lessons and humour.
Significance
Saang is the traditional entertainment of the villages that ring the city and keeps alive the Haryanvi language and songs spoken in rural Delhi.