SARGAM KALA MANCH
Folk Dance and music of HP is the traditional culture of HP “Sargam Kala Manch Nauni, located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, is a non-governmental institution. Registered under the Registration of Societies Act 1860, it operates from the sub-divisional magistrate’s (SDM) office in Solan since the year 1992. Sargam Kala Manch showcases folk dance and music of Himachal pardesh not only in India but also globally.
The institution strives to preserve the pure heritage culture derived from the Shiv Sutras and refined through the science of meter (Chhand Shastra). This pristine cultural legacy, which has endured through the rhythms of servitude and the orchestrated machinations of Lord Macaulay, remains intact since independence. Sargam Kala Manch Nauni endeavors to protect this vanishing pure cultural heritage by researching, studying, and through practical training, performances, as well as promoting and broadcasting, all aimed at the preservation of this institution.
The institution engages in the exploration of the disappearing pure cultural heritage by researching into the Vedas and the principles of meter. It actively works towards overcoming challenges to provide free training to school students on the foundational elements of Vedic arts. The objective is to make our youth and young adults aware of their human civilization and cultural roots through the knowledge of this pure cultural heritage.
The folk dances and music of Himachal Pradesh, deeply intertwined with the ethos of Sargam Kala Manch Nauni, naturally contribute to the rich cultural tapestry that the institution seeks to protect and promote.”
सरगम कला मंच(भूमिका )
Folk dance and music of HP is performed by “Sargam Kala Manch Nauni is at the forefront of providing education based on the pure cultural heritage rooted in the principles of Vedic arts, derived from Shiv Sutras and developed through the science of meter (Chhand Shastra). This pristine culture, which was present in our gurukuls and universities before the subjugation of India, is deeply connected to the Vedic tradition, human civilization, and cultural values.
Included in the fundamental elements of Vedic arts are four types of Kutap Vadya instruments, which are the identifiers of this worshipful culture. The rhythmic patterns based on these instruments and the style of ‘Danka’ based on metered verses form the backbone of this culture, having a direct correlation with scientific techniques. These four types of Kutap Vadya instruments and the rhythmic patterns based on them are the essence of Vedic arts.
Through the exploration of principles established in Shiv Sutras and the pure cultural heritage developed from the science of meter, Sargam Kala Manch Nauni engages in the study and training, presenting the proven principles. The aim is to protect and promote this revered heritage through recognition, encouragement, and extensive publicity. Our platform is committed to integrating the subject of pure cultural heritage into the educational system, incorporating it into the curriculum at the classroom level. This is crucial because the Vedic tradition, which was intact in our gurukuls and universities before the enslavement, has struggled to be reinstated post-independence.
The heritage that existed in universities and gurukuls before the enslavement is now begging for protection on the crossroads of westernization and moral decay. The institutions that once flourished are now seeking alms to preserve the Vedic tradition from extinction. The freedom fighters of our nation have offered their sacrifices to protect and resurrect this heritage. True homage and respect are due to those revolutionary and valiant women who sacrificed their lives for the protection of this sacred culture.
The womb of the heritage culture lies in the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh, the Himalayan son. Even in the era of westernization, the essential elements of Vedic arts, called the backbone, are alive and thriving here, safeguarded by the divine powers, sages, and celestial musicians. Our struggle is to bring these elements back into society, preserving and reviving the remaining culture so that the legacy of pure culture can endure.”
NATTI
The Nataraja, a dance performed by Lord Shiva, displaying nine and five threads through the damaru (a small drum), consisting of 113 divine gestures, encompassing both Tandava (cosmic dance) and Lasya (graceful dance), took place on Earth. From the yogic expressions of this dance, the Nati dance originated. The entire world’s dance forms have evolved from the 113 gestures of Lord Shiva’s Nati dance. This was the first dance in this realm, documented in Nandikesvarakasika. In other words, it was during Lord Shiva’s Nati dance that the origins of music occurred, giving rise to musical notes and rhythms. Lord Shiva exhibited these threads in the Kinnaur region of Himach pardesh. The traditional Folk dances and music of HP are deeply connected to the Shiva Sutras.
Gidda
Folk dances and music of HP include group dances performed collectively by women, such as Jhankara, Gidda, Padhoo, and others. The tradition of women engaging in group dances dates back to the Treta Yuga, starting from Sita’s swayamvara (self-choice ceremony).