Nacha is one of the most noted folk theatre forms in the state of Chhattisgarh. It is performed in nearly all the areas of Chhattisgarh except Sarguja and Baster regions. There are four different forms of Nacha, Khare Saaj Nacha; Gandawa Nacha; Dewar Nacha and Baithe Saaj Nacha. Currently the troupes performing Khare Saaj, Dewar or Gandawa Nacha are very few.
The most popular form today is Baithe Saaj Nacha. In Dewar Nacha, the female roles are performed by women artists. In the other three forms, these roles are enacted by male artists dressed in female costumes and makeup. Nacha performances are usually held during the night. Comedy is an essential and a most entertaining aspect of the Nacha folk theatre. The humorous skits of Nacha also incorporate themes on social issues to create awareness.
Rawat Nach Mahotsav
Rawat Nach Mahotsav ChattisgarhEach year after Diwali, the Yadavas celebrate their folk dance festival of Rawat Nach Mahotsav with great merriment. During this colourful dance festivity, Yadavas from various rural areas of Chattisgarh, in glittering costumes congregate to display their feats of skills and valour.
Every Yadav of a flock wields a stick and a sheild with ringing mini bells fatened to his feet. Thereafter dancing to the tune of the typical village bands, they like the warriors of the bygone ages engage in mock duels. In between they also recite famous couplets of saints 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 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.