Their dance steps were not in sync with the robust beats of the dhol or large-sized percussion instrument which itself was somewhat arrhythmic. In fact, the whole scenario wherein a group of Adivasi youngsters tried performing Dhimsa, their traditional dance attired in modern clothes, looked completely incongruous.
Curiously, education, for which the tribal youth are required to quit their homes and villages, has also distanced them from their culture. “I am studying in hostels since Class IV so I am less aware about our culture,” disclosed Atram Anuradha, a degree II year student from Dodanda in Indervelli mandal. About 100 Gond tribe youths studying in different colleges in the district headquarters town of Adilabad had gathered at the Kala Ashram here to rehearse their dance which was to be presented at the State government-sponsored inter-cultural fete on Tuesday. Only about 30 of them however, were keen on practising.
Their lack of knowledge about the movements or the music was quite evident though it did not diminish their enthusiasm for shaking a leg, the traditional way. They certainly would have done better had they had the help of some ‘expert’ in the Gondi 16 Dhimsa, atra vaja.
The Dhimsa incorporates dance steps on 16 different kinds of beats on the dhol though the entire array of the Gond music has 18 different kinds of instruments. “I know of only 5 beats,” revealed Veladi Nandu, a degree I year student from Dhamanguda in Gudihatnoor mandal.
And Nandu being the only percussionist, the group was expected to suffer the severe handicap it did. “Whatever the limitations, I want to learn more about my culture,” added Anuradha.
Also displaying similar eagerness to learn the dance was Kova Navyarani, an Intermediate II year student from Jatarla in Bazarhatnoor mandal. “Ma sampradayam memu marichipovaddu,” she sort of philosophised. “We will participate actively in cultural events in the coming Dandari-Ghussadi season,” vowed Chikram Shankar, another degree I year student from Shantapur in Gudihatnoor mandal.
