Shail Tarang (Folk Dances of Kinnaur)

Domain:Performing arts

State:

Description:

Kinnaur is located in the northeast corner of Himachal Pradesh bordering Tibet to the east. It is one of the 12 administrative districts of Himachal Pradesh, situated approximately 200 km away from the capital, Shimla. The famous mountain peak of Kinnaur Kailash can be seen from this place. It is said that the word Kinnaur comes from ‘kinnar’ which is mentioned in the ancient Puranas. Kinnaur is divided into two regions, Upper Kinnaur and Lower Kinnaur. The dominant language spoken by the inhabitants of Kinnaur is ‘Kinnauri’ or ‘Kanauri’. There are two types of Dance forms prevalent in this district. One is dedicated to the Gods and Goddesses and the second one is performed during wedding ceremonies and other festivals. The folk dance of Kinnaur is known as “kayang”. In this dance men and women form a semicircle with a musician in the center.