Deodhani dance


Deodhani dance is a folk dance from the Indian state of Assam. It is as a solo or group performance. In the group performance, it essentially comprises 3 or 4 women. This dance form is associated with the worship of the snake goddess Manasa or Maroi. A Deodhani dance is generally performed to the accompaniment of songs sung by an oja, an Assamese traditional chorus leader, during the dance.

History

Deodhani is derived from two words, i.e. Deo means God and Dhani means woman. The term 'Deodhani' depicts the dance of a woman when she is possessed by an evil spirit. In Deodhani the songs sung by Ojapali are known as Shuknamni.

Specification

They take a sword and shield and display a virile war dance during the performance.