Nati

What is Nati?

Nati is a group dance from Himachal Pradesh, India, where people join hands or move together in circles or lines. Both men and women take part, wearing local dress and sometimes holding props like a fly whisk or axe. The dance is marked by simple, repeated steps that match the rhythm of drums and horns. Songs often tell stories from folklore, and the group’s movements can be slow or quick, depending on the music. Nati is a familiar sight at festivals, weddings, and other joyful events.

Where does Nati come from?

Nati comes from the hill regions of Himachal Pradesh, with each area developing its own style. The dance has roots in local stories and religious traditions, drawing inspiration from tales like Raaslila and Chandravali. Over time, it spread from its home districts to other parts of India, especially as people from the hills moved to new areas. Today, Nati is a symbol of regional identity and is performed at many public gatherings, including large festivals.

How is Nati danced?

Dancers usually form a circle or semi-circle, sometimes arranging themselves in lines. They may hold hands in a criss-cross pattern or let their hands move freely, folding their palms in a figure-eight shape. Steps are coordinated and repeated, with a basic set of eight steps forming the foundation. The group is often led by a dancer carrying a fly whisk or axe. The tempo starts slow and builds as the music speeds up, and the arrangement of dancers can vary by region.

The music of Nati

The dance is accompanied by local percussion and wind instruments. Drums like the dhol and damau set the beat, while horns such as the karnal and narsingha add melody. The shehnai and nagara are also used. Musicians, called tunis, play songs that often recount old legends. The music’s pace influences how fast or slow the dancers move, and the songs are an important part of the performance.

Costume and what is carried

Traditional dress changes from district to district. Men wear woolen pants, long shirts, jackets, and caps decorated with flowers or seeds. In some areas, men add special headwear or swirling tunics. Women’s outfits include suit-salwar, jackets, headscarves, and jewelry, with each region having its own style. In Kullu, women wear a draped pattu and special ornaments, while in Shimla, a two-piece dress called rezta is common. Both men and women often tie a handkerchief to a finger and wear handmade footwear called pullas.

When and where Nati is danced

Nati is performed at many happy times, such as weddings, the birth of a child, harvests, and religious festivals like Dussehra and Diwali. It is open to anyone, and there is no set limit on the number of dancers. Sometimes, a sacred ritual called yagna is held at the end when the dance is part of a religious event. The dance is passed down through families and communities, and is now popular even outside the hills.

Styles of Nati

There are several regional forms of Nati, including Kullvi, Mahasuvi, Sirmauri, Kinnauri, Jaunpuri, Barada, and Bangani Nati. In Jaunsar-Bawar, the dance is sometimes called Tandi. Kinnauri Nati is known for its slow, mime-like movements. Each style has its own steps, hand arrangements, and costumes, reflecting the traditions of its area. The Lahaul district has a different dance called Garphi, not considered a type of Nati.

What Nati means

Nati is a source of pride for people from Himachal Pradesh and is closely linked to their identity. It has gained recognition for its scale, with thousands of dancers setting records for the largest folk dance. The dance is a regular feature at major festivals and public events, and its popularity has grown beyond its original region due to migration. Nati is also associated with Hindu religious practices and is an important part of local celebrations.

Days Nati is danced for

Questions people ask about Nati

Good reading and sources

• Nati (dance) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos and video on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data
• Videos of Nati on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo