Dangi Dance from the border of Maharashtra and Gujarat

The Dangis are a unique tribe; they imbibe a blend of Gujarati and Maharashtrian culture mixed harmoniously with the original Dravidians. Men and women join hands to form a chain or shrinkala, making serpentine movements with one of them leading.

The movements are very swift and various choreographic patterns are created within a fraction of a second. Each variety of a step is called chala and there are about 27 varieties of these chalas. One of the most amazing sights to behold during these dance performances is the formation of the human pyramid.

Performers need to be strong and fit. The costumes are basic and cotton-made. The women wear a blouse and sari, draped in kastha style. Men wear a short dhoti, a half sleeved shirt and a head to waist sash. Women wear jewelry made of silver. Dancers hold red scarves in both hands generally.

It is performed to the musical notes of the dhol and shanai.