Seasonal Folk Dances
Seasons are closely connected with the agricultural operations. Since agriculture is the main stay of the people of
India, especially those living in rural areas, seasonal changes are of great importance. Majority of folk dance
forms can be said to be seasonal, because they are performed in particular seasons. For instance, all the harvest
dances are seasonal. We will now discuss dances which are performed to celebrate or welcome the season. Their
connection with the agricultural operations is secondary.
Indians divide the year into six seasons, namely Grishma (summer), Varsha (rains), Sharat (autumn), Hemanta
(also autumn), Shishira (winter), and Vasanta (spring). The Indian year begins with the lunar month of Vaishakh and
the solar month of Mesha, the beginning of the summer season. The year ends with the lunar month of Chaitra and the
solar month of Meena, the end of spring season.
Most of the seasonal dances are performed either in spring or in autumn. The dances performed during the rains and
in winter are predominantly associated with agricultural operations or have ritualistic overtones.
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