Sua Nacha (parrot dance)
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
A women’s folk dance in which a circle of dancers clap and sing around a clay parrot (sua) placed in a basket.
FolkWhere: ChhattisgarhOccasion: Around Diwali, after the paddy harvest; linked to the worship of Shiva and Parvati (Gaura–Gauri)
| Performed by | Women and girls, in groups |
|---|---|
| Costume | Bright sarees in the Chhattisgarhi style, with traditional silver jewellery |
| Music and instruments | No instruments: the beat comes from the dancers’ claps and songs |
How it is performed
- A basket with a clay parrot, decorated with paddy and flowers, is placed in the middle.
- The women stand in a circle around it.
- They bend and turn as they clap in rhythm, singing sua songs addressed to the parrot.
- The group goes from house to house, dancing in each courtyard and receiving rice or money in return.
Significance
In sua songs women share their joys and sorrows, sending their messages through the parrot. The dance celebrates the harvest and the season of festivals.