Folk Dance forms of India

BHANJARA
The Bhanjara-s or Lambida-s are gypsy tribes who live in Hyderabad. Their vivid colour sense expresses itself in the picture costumes of the women with wide flaring skirts and bright blouses embroidered and studded with mirrors.

Their dances are associated with house-hold tasks, cultivation and sowing, planting and harvesting. Forming a great circle, the women go round and round, clapping and making gestures that indicate their agrarian livelihoods.

There are nearly twentyfive groups of tribes which inhabit different parts of Tamil Nadu. Early tribesmen include Todas and Kurumbas. Their rites and rituals, seasonal festivals revolve around agricultural functions. Devotional singing and dancing is dedicated to the deity.