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• Yakshagana, Karnataka
• Kalbeliya, Rajasthan
• Manipuri, Manipur
Shiva stories. much more dedication than any other art forms in
In the northeastern part of India, Manipuri dance India.
form is performed to narrate the romantic relationship In Odissi, a popular dance form in Odisha, most of
between the Hindu gods Radha and Krishna, which is fa- the gestures and movements (Mudras) are inspired
mously known as RaasLeela. This art form is performed by the sculptors and idols belonging to the ancient
in a team with the traditional Manipuri costumes and temples of India. The dance is performed as a way
makeup to narrate the tale of the two gods. to express the mythological tales of Hindu gods, in-
Andhra Pradesh’s Kuchipudi is not just considered cluding that of Shiva and Surya. Other famous dance
as the dance but a whole religious procedure dedicated forms in India include Bhangra/ Gidda, Garba, Rouf,
to God which includes certain rituals such as sprinkling Ghoomar, Chhau, Bihu, Lavani, Mohiniyattam and
the holy water, burning the incense sticks and praying Sattriya Dance.
to God. Kuchipudi includes both singing and dancing by
the performer which is why it requires both the skill and LETTERS@TEHELKA.COM
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