Tarpa dance of the Warli
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A tribal circle dance of the Warli and neighbouring communities, danced around a player of the tarpa, a long wind instrument made from a dried gourd.
TribalWhere: Palghar, Thane and Nashik districts, MaharashtraOccasion: After the harvest, around Diwali and at community celebrations
| Performed by | Men and women of the Warli, Kokna and other Adivasi communities |
|---|---|
| Costume | Everyday village dress; women in sarees with flowers in the hair |
| Music and instruments | The tarpa, made from a dried bottle gourd, bamboo and palm leaf, sometimes with drums |
How it is performed
- The tarpa player stands in the middle and starts the tune.
- Dancers link arms around each other's waists and form a long chain or circle around him.
- The chain moves in steps and turns, winding into a spiral and opening out again as the tune changes.
- The dance can go on through the night as dancers take turns.
Significance
The tarpa dance is one of the scenes most often shown in Warli painting, where the circle of dancers around the tarpa player stands for the circle of life. It celebrates the harvest and community.