In Himachal Pradesh, the Nati folk dance of Kullu district has made a world record by entering the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest folk dance in the world on January 11, 2016. The whole event of the Nati folk dance was recorded in several cameras during the International Dussehra festival in Kullu in 2015.The dance was dedicated to the girl child.
After their full satisfaction the officials of Guinness Book of World Records, registered the Pride of Kullu Nati as the largest folk dance in terms of participants’ number. Total 9,892 women participated in this folk dance in their traditional colourful Kulluvi dress on October 26, 2015 during International Dussehra festival. The dance was held under the ‘Beti hai Anmol’ campaign of the Himachal Pradesh Government. The earlier record of 8,540 participants was registered in the Limca book of world records in 2014.
Nati dance
Nati dance is a local folk dance of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh and depicts ras lila or dances concerning Hindu God Krishna and Gopis and the entertaining plays of Chandravali. Dancers join their hands and make movement accordingly with the music and rhythm. However, there are thirteen styles. This dance was traditionally performed by men who wear decorated caps, sashes, churidaars and swirling tunics but now it has been performed by women mostly. This dance can be performed by any age group persons as it is not a professional dance. This dance is being carried for four or three days both in morning and in nights basically this dance belongs from Lasya variety and considered as a dance of slow-movement. Costumes which are used in this dance are Shoes, Socks, Churidar Pyjamas, Silver Chains, Boomani, Floral Shawl, Lachhi, Gachi, Ghaghra, Chola. However, women costumes are different as they wear ornaments of gold and silver which are known as Chanki and Tunki. Ornate fan is being carried in one hand and handkerchief which is colourful is being carried in another hand. Earlier there were separate groups for men and women but now they are allowed to dance together. Dancers clad in traditional dresses dance along with the procession, on the tunes of musical instruments such as Narsingha, Karnal, Shehnai, Dhol and Nagara. Earlier, Nati was performed for several hours and continued till dancers and orchestra got exhausted.
The news Nati folk dance of Himachal Pradesh registered in Guinness Book of World Records is important in Current Affairs. The aspirants preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC IAS Prelims, IAS Mains, SSC, and State PCS. Questions related to this news can be asked in competitive exams, group discussions and interviews. Aspirants should take note of the dance form, other popular folk dances in India, etc.
