Bagha Nacha

'''Bagha Nacha''' or Tiger Dance is performed in Binka, Sonepur of [[Subarnapur district]] and [[Berhampur|Behrampur]], and in some parts of the [[Ganjam district]] in [[Odisha]], India. It is performed in the month of ''[[chaitra]]''. Male dancers paint themselves like a tiger and perform the ''bagha nacha''.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|title=10 Unique Dance Forms Of Odisha Which Are Spectacular In Their Distinctive Ways! {{!}} Mycitylinks- Bhubaneswar {{!}} Cuttack {{!}} Puri|url=http://mycitylinks.in/10-unique-dance-forms-of-odisha-which-are-spectacular-in-their-distinctive-ways/|website=mycitylinks.in|accessdate=3 October 2016}}</ref> [[File:Bacha Nacha.png|thumb|The male dancer paints himself like a tiger. Thus, it is called Bagha Nacha or Tiger Dance.]]

== Performance == [[Dance|Dancers]] spend about three to four hours getting painted in ''bagha vesh'' (attire of the tiger) and it takes at least two people per dancer to get the painting right. The ''bagha nacha'' dancers need not be a professional dancer. Interested performers undergo two to four weeks of training under a mentor before the actual performance.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Patnaik |first=Sunil |title='Tigers' roar at Thakurani yatra |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/odisha/tigers-roar-at-thakurani-yatra/cid/1465252}}</ref>

The ''bagha nacha'' performance has a permanent place in the state's ''Thakurani Jatra'' where the dance is performed as a homage to the goddess of wisdom. The dance is performed to appease the goddess ''Maa Budhi Thakurani'' and receive her blessings.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Network |first=Post News |date=2023-04-15 |title='Bagha Nacha', a crowd-puller to Maa Budhi Thakurani Yatra - OrissaPOST |url=https://www.orissapost.com/bagha-nacha-a-crowd-puller-to-maa-budhi-thakurani-yatra/ |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=Odisha News, Odisha Latest news, Odisha Daily - OrissaPOST |language=en-US}}</ref>

Four ''changus,'' which is a traditional [[musical instrument]], are required. The instruments need constant warming, which is why a vehicle filled with haystacks follows the ''bagha nacha'' performers.<ref name=":1" /> Garlands made of ''[[Plumeria alba|katha champa]]'' flowers are put on the performers to keep them cool through the intense performances. Each performer is accompanied with four to six ''dhampa'' drum beaters, with periodic breaks, to keep the momentum going.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Patnaik |first=Sunil |date=2023-04-23 |title=Odisha: Berhampur Streets Turn Favourite Arena For 'Bagha Nacha' Performers |url=https://odishabytes.com/odisha-berhampur-streets-turn-favourite-arena-for-bagha-nacha-performers/ |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=Odisha Bytes |language=en-GB}}</ref>

A similar ''bagha nacha'' dance form exists in the states of West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, but the form of performance is unique in each. The ''dhampa'' drumbeats and costumes do not resemble any classical dance form.<ref name=":0" />

In January 2025, a cohort of more than 40 male dancers participated in the ''Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam'' dance ensemble organised by the [[Ministry of Culture (India)|Ministry of Culture]] during the Republic Day parade. The dancers, dressed as tigers, performed to the tunes of ''mohuri'' and ''nishan''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Express News |date=2025-01-23 |title=Odisha's folk heritage to dazzle Republic-Day parade at Delhi |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2025/Jan/23/odishas-folk-heritage-to-dazzle-republic-day-parade-at-delhi |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

== Films == In 1989, ''bagha nacha'' from Ganjam was captured on-screen by director [[Buddhadeb Dasgupta|Buddhadev Dasgupta]] in the Bengali film, ''[[Bagh Bahadur]]''. The film won the Best National Film Award the same year.<ref name=":2" />

In January 2025, an Odia [[film]] about the struggle of a father and daughter to preserve the tradition and legacy of ''bagha nacha'' hit the theatres. The title of the film is ''Rangashoor'' and it is directed by Pratap Rout.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Himanshu |title=Odia film 'Rangashoor' movie review |url=https://kalingatv.com/movies/odia-film-rangashoor-movie-review/ |work=KalingaTV}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

[[Category:Folk dances of Odisha]] [[Category:Ritual animal disguise]] [[Category:Tigers in Nepal]]