Gher Nritya — A Divine Celebration of Rathwa Identity
Gher Nritya is a sacred and celebratory tribal dance form performed by the Rathwa community of Chhota Udepur, located in central Gujarat. This dance is deeply interwoven with the community’s religious beliefs, seasonal festivals, and important life ceremonies such as marriages, harvests, and worship rituals. Known for its vibrant costumes, rhythmic instruments, and spiritual connection, Gher Nritya is more than entertainment—it is a form of worship and expression of gratitude to deities.
Cultural Significance & Origins
- Community: Rathwa tribe of Chhota Udepur district, Gujarat.
- Occasions: Performed during Holi (Phagun Sud Purnima), at local fairs, marriages, and other religious or social ceremonies.s.
- Purpose: Expresses joy, fulfills religious vows (maanat), and pleases local deities like “Goth Mata”.
- Ritualistic Procession: Participants with vows go from village to village for five days, collecting offerings (dakshina) of grain, money, etc., and offer them to the goddess on the sixth day.
- Sacred Offering: Collected dakshina is offered at the temple, where a grand dance and musical celebration marks the conclusion.
Performance Style & Key Features
- Choreography: Features 22 unique and synchronized dance steps (chalas).
- Dance Types: Includes Haleniya Nritya, Dhol Nritya, Id-Kuwariya, Timli, Kudaniyu, Amaligodho, Rola, Dandiya Nritya, and Ghodiya Nritya.
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Costumes:
o Men: White dhoti, colorful bush shirts, and bright turbans.
o Women: Bright, hand-embroidered ghaghras (skirts), blouses, and dupattas (odhani). -
Jewelry:
o Men: Silver kada (bangles), waist belts (kandoro).
o Women: Patla, bajuband, necklaces (haar, hansdi), kandoro, anklets (zanzar), jhumkas, and ornate forehead ornaments (shero). - Instruments Used: Large and small dhols, kartal, kundi, shehnai, pavo, bansuri (flute).
Ideal For
- Tribal and Cultural Festivals
- Rural Tourism Events & Fairs (Melas)
- Navratri Celebrations & Holi Programs
- School/College Cultural Days & Ethnic Weeks
Booking Gher Nritya Performances
• Fully costumed Rathwa performers (male & female)
• Traditional instruments and live folk music
• Option for ritual procession-style performance
• Performances of 20–45 minutes
• Deep cultural impact, ideal for immersive experiences
Contacts
Address
GUJARAT LOKKALA FOUNDATION, 2 PROFESSORS COLONY, NAVRANGPURA, AHMEDABAD, GJ01, GJ, 380009
Phone
+91- 90160 31743
Mail ID
info@gujaratlokkala.org