Nati
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Himachal Pradesh’s best-known folk dance, in which long lines of men and women link arms and move slowly in a circle to drums and pipes at fairs and festivals.
FolkWhere: Himachal Pradesh (especially Kullu, Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur and Kinnaur)Occasion: Village fairs, Kullu Dussehra, weddings and festivals of the village deities
| Performed by | Men and women of the village, together or in separate lines; anyone may join |
|---|---|
| Costume | Woollen Himachali caps (the Kullu topi with a coloured band), and for women pattu or other woollen dress with silver jewellery |
| Music and instruments | Folk songs with dhol, nagara, shehnai, karnal and ransingha (long brass horns) |
How it is performed
- Dancers hold hands or link arms and form a line or a wide circle in an open ground.
- A leader sets the pace, often waving a handkerchief, and the line follows his steps.
- The dance starts slow, with small steps forward and back and a gentle sway of the body.
- The drums pick up speed and the circle moves faster, while singers keep up the folk song.
- New dancers join the line as it passes, and a nati can go on for hours.
Significance
Nati brings a whole village together and is danced in honour of the local deity at fairs. Styles differ from valley to valley, such as Kullu nati, Mahasu nati and Sirmauri nati.