Performed to celebrate “the harvesting of rabi crops” is a dance form originating from central India known as Grida. This “folk dance” was developed in the state of Madhya Pradesh, and is mainly performed during the winter season (i.e. harvest period for the rabi crops). This dance is usually performed from dawn to dusk. In addition, this dance style is usually performed annually with one village serving as the host. Furthermore, it is this “host village” that then officially invites other villages to perform this folk dance, and thereby celebrates the harvest season.
a. History/origin of Grida:
The only information available with regards to the origin of this dance form is, that it was developed in order to celebrate the arrival of the harvest season (i.e. winter) of the rabi crops in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
b. Costumes used in the Grida:
Since this folk dance is performed by both male and females, the costume worn varies as per the gender, and they are as follows:
1. For males:
The attire worn basically includes a white saluki that extends up to the waist, a dhoti, a turban is used as a headgear, ornaments such as necklaces made up of gold or silver or corals and even bangles and anklets. In addition, the costume for males also includes, a staff held in the right hand by the performer, and a handkerchief or peacock feathers held in the left hand.
2. For females:
The costume worn essentially includes a saree, ornaments such as necklaces worn around the neck made up of silver, gold, or corals, a silver ornament called “Hansali”, silver earrings, silver bangles, anklets and armlets known as “Bahunta”. In addition, the female performer also holds a thiski or a clapper in the right hand, and colourful handkerchief in the left hand.
c. Music involved in the Grida:
There is not much information available regarding the music instruments used in this dance form.
d. Training availability and the dance technique involved in the Grida:
In terms of technique, this dance form involves three major stages. They are as follows:
- Sela: Is the first phase of this dance style, and basically involves a “very relaxed and slow feet movement”.
- Selalarki: Is the second phase of this dance form, and it is at this stage that the pace of the feet movement which was relaxed now increases tempo.
- Selabhadoni: This is the last phase of this dance form, in which along with the feet, the body including the hands begin to move vigorously. In addition, it is at this stage that the performer raises the tempo to the maximum.
There are no centres/schools in the state or the country that provide for training in this dance style, because it is essentially a folk dance that has been passed on from one generation to another within the community belonging to the state of Madhya Pradesh.