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DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

  • 16 February, 2023

  • 3 Min Read

Lavani Dance

Lavani Dance

  • Lavani dance has recently been the subject of controversy in the State of Maharashtra, as younger female dancers have been charged with vilifying the traditional folk art form.

About Lavani:

  • Lavani, which means "beauty" in Sanskrit, is a traditional folk art form in which female dancers perform on a stage in front of an audience while donning make-up, nine-yard-long sarees in vibrant colours, and ghunghroos (ankle bells).
  • It became well-known during the Peshwa era in the 18th century, when performances were given in front of rulers and for the amusement of weary troops during pauses from battle.
  • There are several subgenres of Lavani, with Shringarik (erotic) being the most well-known. Throughout time, the art became more sanitized, with later performers favoring subtly sensual allusions over overt gestures and lyrics.
  • Lavani dance, which draws inspiration from nature and tells the story of Biruba, their deity, was typically performed by Dhangars or Shepherds living in Solapur. In rural Maharashtra, audiences continue to respond enthusiastically to live performances.
  • Lavani performances generally fall into two categories. Both the Nirguni Lavani and the Shringari Lavani deal with philosophy and sensuality, respectively.
  • More people are familiar with Shrinagri Lavani than Nirguni Lavani, and both are performed onstage and in Bollywood films. The love between a man and a woman is the most significant genre that Shringari Lavani deals with.

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Source: The Indian Express


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