GONDIA

Gondi dance is a traditional performance art practiced by the Gond community. It is frequently performed during the Kachargarh fair, which is held annually at the Kachargarh caves which lies in the village of Dhanegaon in Gondia.  The Kachargarh caves are an important site for the community; each year the Gondi dance is performed here to honor ancestral and divine figures in the Gondi tradition such as Shambhu, Gaura, and Hirsuka Patalir.

The dance features women wearing embroidered costumes with mirror work. Their graceful movements and energetic footwork are synchronized and often imitate the movements of animals and birds, pointing to how connected this tradition is to the natural world. Female performers typically wear knee-length sarees with distinctive headgear and perform with their arms entwined, while a group of young men, in white attire and turbans decorated with colorful feathers, join in. The men play small drums called mandri and sing alongside the women. Their ankle bells ring in perfect rhythm as they weave their arms, all while continuing to sing and dance to the song “Re Rela re Rela re.”

In Gondi tradition, Rela is seen as a melody that is believed to capture the attention of the devi and devtas within the community. It is also said that dancing to Rela can alleviate pain and resolve physical ailments. The song and dance are usually performed during important events for the Gondi such as weddings and other special occasions, adding cultural significance to this traditional art form.

Bamboo working is a handicraft which has a significant place in Gondia. Due to the abundance of bamboo in the region, bamboo crafting has served as an important traditional industry and is also the ODOP (One district One Product) of the district. According to the Maitri portal, approximately 25 bamboo artisan units operate in Tiroda, with approximately 200 artisans organized into 20 self-help groups in Salekasa.

The bamboo used for crafting varies depending on the product. Yellow bamboo, typically ranging from 4 to 12 inches, is commonly used for a wide range of products, while brown bamboo, often cut into 12-inch lengths, is typically crafted into religious items and other articles.

Arun Nashine is a coach and artist from Gondia. He serves as the Director of Art Point which is a well-known fine art and coaching center in the district. He specializes in bonsai art and has created remarkable works, including a 35-square-foot Rangoli of Kerala’s ‘Kathakali,’ which he completed in just nine hours.