Through socialization, traditions change throughout time and are transmitted to next generations. On the other hand, in our drive towards modernization, we have abandoned the old “Nachniyan” folk-dance form of western Odisha.
Reports state that Nachniyan folk dance was customarily performed during religious festivals, social events, thread ceremonies, marriages, and other auspicious occasions.
According to reports, performers in the folk dance form known as “Nachniyan” sing and dance to Chaupadis and other folk songs while dancing in time with instruments like as the Dhol, Nisan, Tasha, and Mahuri.
This is a group dance that usually involves two to four artists. One person narrates while the others repeat folk melodies. The captivating show captivates the surrounding villagers, who congregate to take in the spectacle. Those who repeat the songs of Siri Gayak, the leader of the Nachniyan troupe, are referred to as Palia, while other members are called Siri Gayak.
The fashion worn by musicians from Nachniyan is also typical. They typically wear colorful clothing with several folds around their waists, loose Kurtas that are specially made and embellished with jaree work, and pagdis, which are headpieces adorned with peacock feathers.
These performers wear rings on their fingers, Ghungurs on their legs, Kundals on their ears, Bahutis on their hands, and Malas around their necks. Their eyes are adorned with Kajal, their feet with “Alta,” and their faces with Sindur and Chandan. They perform on multiple times while holding a handkerchief in their right hand and Chamar in their left.
But of days, loud DJ music played and performed by band parties is preferred over this antiquated traditional folk-dance style. Nachniyan dancers were highly well-liked in the area around the Attabira area of the Bargarh district in western Odisha.
Notably, within the last three to four decades, this traditional folk dancing genre has disappeared from this society. The artists who were then doing on-demand performances for meager pay have moved to other professions in an attempt to make ends meet.
Although it is widely believed that traditions are connected to the past, many social, political, economic, and cultural traditions were intentionally created by human communities.
