5 facts you should know about the attractive Hojagiri dance of Tripura!

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FACTS | November 17, 2018:

Here are 5 facts about this dance form from Tripura:

#1 Hojagiri is a folk dance, performed in the state of Tripura by the Reang people.  Reang or Riang are one of the 21 scheduled tribes of the Indian state of Tripura. The correct nomenclature for this ethnic group is actually Bru although the name Reang was accidentally incorporated by the Indian government during a census count.

#2 The dance is performed by women and young girls, about 4 to 6 members in a team, singing, balancing on an earthen pitcher and managing other props such as a bottle on the head and earthen lamp on the hand, while only the lower half of the body is moved. It is attractive due to its melodious songs accompanied by bamboo flute, cymbals and the khamb.

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#3 The dance is performed on the occasion of Hojagiri festivals or Laxmi Puja, held in the following full moon night of Durga Puja. generally after 3rd day of Dashera. The Goddess Mailuma, (Laxmi) is worshipped on this day.

#4 The male members participate in singing the lyric, playing the Kham and Sumui (Kshumu). The lyrics are very simple. Required for the dance are, a BAILING, a wide circular rice cleaning article made of cane, a pitcher or kalash, a bottle, a hous hold traditional lamp, a plain dish and a handkerchief for each performer.

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#5 One has to undergo an extensive training and rehearsal for slow hip and waist maneuvering. It takes about 30 minutes to finish the sequence. The whole of the Huk or Jhum cultivation is exhibited through this dance. To that extent it is like the Hukni dance but the rhythm and sequence are totally different.

TNT News with inputs from Wikipedia