An ode to nature

Dance empowers, unites, and encourages cultural exchange and artistic communication. Tribal communities across India use varied dance forms to elaborate and expand upon their beliefs and traditions.

Santhals are one such tribe that give a glimpse into their culture through Santhali, a beautiful amalgamation of enchantment, fluidity, rhythm and synchronicity.

Carrying an earthy appeal and wrapped in simplicity, this dance form is performed by men in dhotis, turbans and accoutrements, and women in traditional attire like pastel-coloured, red-bordered sarees. Nature-inspired accessories, like bushes, leaves, flowers and peacock feathers embellish their ensembles further.

Santhali is performed in tandem, sometimes by both men and women in groups, or, on occasions, only by men. The performers dance to folk songs. Women dance in line formations, swaying, with interlocked arms and fingers laced together. The footwork is generally gentle and swift, without exaggerated arm, shoulder or head movements.

Santhali dancers employ several interesting instruments to accompany the festive spirit of the energetic and vibrant dance. Instruments including pipes and metallic cymbals used for the performances, along with junko (ankle bells), drums like tamak, tumdak or madol, also lutes like phet banam, dhodro banam, and tirio or tiriyo, an all-important bamboo flute with seven holes.

Santhals pray to deities and holy spirits, and do not believe in idol worship. Their livelihoods depend on forests and agriculture, and so their dance rituals are also assayed close to nature, near or inside forests. Festivals including Dassai, right before the Durga Puja, Maghe or Magha Parva, Sohrai or the harvest season, Baha Parva or the spring or flower season, or the summer season, during which most marriages take place, hunting festivals, and also Ero and Karam festivals, are some of the occasions during which these dances are performed.

Affiliated with aforementioned festivals, the Santhali classifications have specific traditional names in the local language, like Baha Enej, Dahar Enej, Danta Enej, Sadpa Enej, and a variety of other names. Some of these dances are performed during the day, and some at night, especially on full-moon nights. Some portray martial art skills of the tribes, some are meant to honour guests, and others are meant to ward off evil spirits and enemies, and also to increase their wealth. The timings and periods when the dances are executed have special significance.

The history of Santhals is associated with bravery, and should be explored further by enthusiasts. Modernised versions of cinema, including televised dance and music programmes, often forget the beauty of folk and tribal dances, and therefore, these art forms reach fewer audiences. Unspoiled, traditional and ritualistic, these dance forms are not only a call to Mother Nature, but also encourage people to celebrate and pray collectively. They are truly reflective of the artful efforts of tribals.