Uttarakhand is the ‘land of the gods.’ The beauty of the hills and the strong religious attachment of the people to the divine energy are what distinguish it from the rest of the world. Uttarakhand is rich with its unique history, culture, and mythological stories that enchant the listener more towards this heavenly land.
One such cultural practice exclusive to Uttarakhand is ‘Pandav Nritya’ or ‘Pandav Leela.’ The tale of Mahabharat is one of the most famous sagas of history. Everyone is aware of the battle of Kurukshetra and the rivalry of the Kauravas and Pandavas. After the battle ended, the Pandavas had to atone for their sins of fratricide and ‘BrahmHatyaa.’ On their way to heaven, they traveled and constructed various temples across Uttarakhand. To keep their legacy alive, each year, Pandav Nritya is performed.
This folk dance is strictly performed by men. Children and women are prohibited from performing it. The Pandav Nritya is quite famous amongst the hamlet of Alaknanda and Mandakini valley. The preparation for this festivity starts in November and extends till February. The program showcases various stages of the life of Pandavas from their childhood to their last days. This ritual portrays their journey in a dance drama form. It is believed that often, the cosmic energies of the Pandavas enter the body of the performer. The sheer beauty of this ritual is what sets it apart from the rest of the dance-drama performed all across the world.
Traditional instruments such as dhol, damau, manjira are used in this ritual. The last day of the Pandav Nritya is marked with a grand feast for the villagers, and all the sacred instruments used in the dance form are kept back safely.Pandav Nritya Garhwali videos are also available online. One can easily access them.
The charm of this dance-drama entrances the spectators. They are left spellbound, and the divine aura keeps everyone hooked to their places. This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one must visit Uttarakhand to witness this enchanting dance form.