Dance and Music

Kathak :

Kathak is one of the classical dance forms of India of Uttar Pradesh. Kathak means the story teller. The dance style is originally guided by Natya-Sastra.

Kathak is a narrative dance form characterized by fast footwork (tatkar), spins (chakkar) and innovative use of bhav in abhinaya (enacting). It has today a form that has been influenced at various times in the past by mythological narratives by kathakas, temple dances, the bhakti movement (both Vaishnavism and Shaivite).

Charkula :

Charkula is a traditional folk dance of Braj, where a female dancer balances a column of lighted deepikas over her head while dancing. The charkula, a tapered wooden column with four to five circular tiers has earthen lamps on each level. The number of lamps may range from 51 to 108 at times. The dancer, balancing the charkula on her head, moves with swift and graceful movements to the tune of Rasiya songs. The dance is performed on the Dooj of Holi.