Raas
Raas
Dandiya Raas
The Dandiya Raas is a stick dance played by a group of evenly numbered dancers, dancing in two concentric circular lines, with one line moving clockwise and the other moving counter clockwise. The dancers may twist, turn and sway and even change places depending on their ability and inclination. The circular form and the moving lines allow the dancers a few moments to interact as they click their Dandiyas with each other. This dance is also referred to as Dandiya and or as Raas.
Sticks
The sticks with which the dance is played are called Dandiyas and dancers may play with either one or two Dandiyas. The Dandiyas are usually about 40 cm or so long and about 8 cm wide and are made of plain wood, or metal, with many Dandiyas decorated and embellished with colourful patterns and designs, with bells and other frills.
It is believed that the Raas dance, without sticks was originally performed by the Divine Krsna and the village girls of Vraj, the Gopis, in the forests of Vrandavan by the banks of the Yamuna river.
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Rasa
Rasa
The word Raas is derived from and linked to the word Rasa. Rasa is a complex term with several meanings however it may be taken to mean the nectar or essence of a thing. One rationale behind Rasa is that it allows the exposition and exhibition of various emotions and longings through art, in this instance the art of dance. The significance of Rasa is further explored in our section on the Natyashastra.
Mixed
The Dandiya Raas is played by just men or just women and also by women and men together. As dancers interact with each other when they click their Dandiyas, they have a few moments to acknowledge and greet most everyone who takes their place on the swirling dancing circles. For the boys and girls there is the chance to exchange flirting glances and swooning smiles.
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Energy
Passion
When you observe Dandiya Raas danced with energy and passion it becomes obvious that the dance has martial origins and elements, evoking fighting with swords as the player warriors click and hit and swipe with the sticks.. The dance is also performed as a mock fight to emulate the battle of the Goddess Durga against evil in many forms including the slaying of the demon Mahishasura. In some regions of Gujarat the dance is performed by men in a martial style and manner.
Songs
The songs and tunes played when dancing Dandiya Raas have different connotations and meanings and many of them refer to the escapades and dalliances of the Divine Krsna in his youth. The dance took its most popular form during the Raas Leela dance referred to above. The Raas dance and its songs and themes were later modified and made suitable for the worship and veneration of Divine Mother Goddesses during the festivals of Navratri
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Clicking Connecting
Flowing Glowing
