Rawat Nach Mahotsav

Domain:Performing arts

State:

Description:

Each year after Diwali, the Yadavas celebrate the folk dance festival of Rawat Nach Mahotsav with great merriment. During this colourful dance festival, Yadavas or Raut/Rawats from various rural areas of Chattisgarh, in glittering costumes, congregate to display feats of skills and valour. Each participant wields a stick and a sheild with ringing mini bells fatened to his feet. Thereafter, they engage in mock duels like warriors of the bygone days, while dancing to the tune of the typical village bands. In between, they also recite famous couplets of saints like Surdas, Tulsidas and Kabir. The origin of the festival has been traced to the times of Mahabharat when the autocratic and oppressive reign of King Kans was brought to an end by the leader of the Yadavas, Lord Krishna, thereby celebrating the victory of good over evil and justice over injustice. The festival is also asscociated with the harvesting season and is akin to similar harvet dance festivals of other regions.