- Celebrating cultural heritage at Tribal Museum
Bhopal: The “Sambhavna” activity, dedicated to dance, singing, and play, was held at the Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum on Sunday. The event featured captivating performances, including the Oraon tribal dance Sarhul, presented by Agnesh Kerketta and his group from Bhopal, followed by the Rai dance showcased by Umashankar Namdev and his companions from Damoh.
The Sarhul dance, emblematic of the Oraon tribe residing around Jashpur tehsil in Raigarh district, is a significant cultural expression. This dance is associated with the worship of the Shal Sarai tree, regarded as the village deity’s abode. Celebrated annually on the full moon day of the Chaitra month, the community gathers to honor the Shal tree, dancing in its vicinity while hoisting a white cloth flag.
Sarhul is characterized by its group format
Sarhul is characterized by its group format, involving young men and women from the tribe. The dance is unique, as it follows the rhythm of songs rather than conventional musical beats, beginning slowly and culminating in a vigorous pace. Male dancers don traditional turbans, while female participants adorn their hair with white heron feathers, typically wearing white garments. Key instruments accompanying the Sarhul include the Mandar, Jhanj, and Nagada, with the Chaumukh Chakol occasionally featured.
Following this, the Rai dance from Bundelkhand, presented by Umashankar Namdev and his group, showcased the region’s rich cultural heritage. This dynamic dance form reflects themes of bravery and beauty, often performed during significant life events such as childbirth and weddings.
The Sambhavna activity, held every Sunday at 2 PM, offers the public an opportunity to engage with diverse art traditions from five local regions and seven major tribes of Madhya Pradesh, as well as art forms from other states across the country.
