Dhobia nritya
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Lively folk dance of the washermen (dhobi) community of eastern Uttar Pradesh, performed at weddings and festivals.
FolkWhere: Purvanchal (eastern Uttar Pradesh), including Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur and AzamgarhOccasion: Weddings, births and festive gatherings
| Performed by | Men of the dhobi community |
|---|---|
| Costume | Kurta or dhoti with colourful turbans; often one dancer wears a dummy horse costume |
| Music and instruments | Bhojpuri folk songs with mridang, ranasingha (horn), jhanjh and kasavar |
How it is performed
- Musicians and singers stand in a group while the lead dancer moves in the open space before them.
- Songs tease and praise in turns, often about daily life, love and the donkey and horse that carry the washer's load.
- The dancers spin, leap and mime with quick footwork to the beat of the mridang.
- The horse-dancer gallops and prances around the circle, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Significance
Dhobia nritya preserves the songs and humour of a working community and is a favourite part of village weddings in the Bhojpuri-speaking belt.