‘Shad Mastieh’, a traditional dance of the Khasis, will be performed at the Military Tattoo and Tribal Dance Festival ‘Aadi Shaurya – Parv Parakram Ka’ which will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi on January 23 and 24.
The two-day festival will showcase the prowess of the armed forces and the ethnic beauty of India’s tribal culture. It is being held as part of the Republic Day Celebrations 2023 and to mark the 126th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (celebrated as Parakram Diwas).
The Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Tribal Affairs are jointly organising the event, with the Indian Coast Guard being the coordinating agency.
The initial practice sessions for the event began on January 10 and the reverberations of the military drums and trumpets have set the stage for the traditional dance performances to blend in representing our country’s unique cultural trends and fostering the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shresht Bharat”.
About 1200 plus performers are fine tuning their art forms each day in rehearsals with each group enlivening a slice of India with their unique and colourful costumes, headdresses, music instruments and rhythmic dance beats.
Besides Shad Mastieh, the other traditional dance performances to be presented during the main event include Gaurr Maria, Gaddi Nati, Siddi Dhamal, Baiga Pardhoni, Purulia, Bagurumba, Ghusadi, Balti, Lambadi, Paika, Rathwa, Budigali, Songimukhawate, Karma, Mangho, Kummikali, Palaiyar, Cheraw and Rekham Pada. These events and groups are coordinated by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
The Indian Army is presenting its prowess in the event through Paramotor gliding, Hot Air Balloon, Horse Show, Khukuri Dance, Gatka, Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Thang-ta, Motorcycle Display, Air Warrior Drill, Navy Band and martial arts.
The grand finale will also showcase a performance by famous Bollywood playback singer Kailash Kher. People interested to witness the show live at JLN stadium may do so by booking their free tickets through www.bookmyshow.com.
