Panthi
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The devotional dance of the Satnami community of Chhattisgarh, sung and danced in praise of Guru Ghasidas with rising speed and acrobatic moves.
DevotionalWhere: ChhattisgarhOccasion: Guru Ghasidas Jayanti in December, and Satnami gatherings around the jaitkhamb (white pillar and flag)
| Performed by | Groups of men, with a lead singer |
|---|---|
| Costume | White dhoti or knee-length lower garment, a white vest, and a kanthi (bead necklace); some dancers wear ankle bells |
| Music and instruments | Mandar (drum) and jhanjh (cymbals), with songs about the teachings of Guru Ghasidas |
How it is performed
- The group gathers around the jaitkhamb, the symbol of the Satnami faith, and begins with a slow song.
- Dancers move in a circle, stepping and clapping to the mandar beat.
- The tempo slowly rises, and the movements become quicker and more vigorous.
- At the peak, dancers form human pyramids and perform acrobatic feats while the music races on.
Significance
Panthi songs spread Guru Ghasidas’s message of truth, equality and non-violence. The dance is a symbol of the Satnami community and has been taken to stages across India.