The music that brings life to the dead and entertains the world, the rhythmic steps and the songs that has been praised over the years can be experienced where other than the holy 'Land of Krishna'. Uttar Pradesh being credited with the origin of Kathak Dance has been home to hundreds of world-renowned dancers and the musicians. The magic of these artists has attracted millions of tourists to listen to them and cherish the experience for the lifetime. The most influenced is the western world from where people come in large gatherings to learn the music and dance to make it their career. The songs for each and every occasion accompanied by the music and dance in harmony can lead a person to the colourful world of dreams and relish each and every second of life.

Kathak Dance - Synchronised Steps with Rhythmic Beats

The pride of northern India - Kathak has its origin in Uttar Pradesh and is thought to be the one of the important dances in 8th form of classical dance. This form of dance narrates the epic tales from the Ramayana and Mahabarata through the rhythmic footwork, spectacular spins, and the dramatic representation of the themes with the chimes of the ankle bells. Kathak dance has earned laurels from all over the world.

Watching the live-show of Kathak dance may seem as mesmerizing,as finding the glacier in the Sahara Desert. The attire & make-up, moves & gestures, the whirlwind spin and the movement of feet, the perfect coordination of these characteristics with the background music creates the ambiance of heaven, where a person feels free from enslavement of this world. Many foreigners have learned and even mastered the art of Kathak, Issabelle Anna from France has learned the art for 5 years under the guidance of Pandit Jai Kishan Maharaj. If interested one can find some time to learn the art from the masters like Ravi Shankar Mishra and Pandit Birju Maharaj. The institutes where one can get training in this form of classical art are Kathak Academy, Lucknow.

Other Dance Charms

The other important dances that have attracted the attention of tourists - Hurka Baul is a famous dance performed during paddy and maize cultivation. On a fixed day, after the preliminary ritual, the dance is performed in different fields by turns. Rasa dance narrates the story of the early life of the Krishna and is organized on the occasion of Janmashtami. These dance performances with the zealous movements depicts the faith of the people on their gods and how it would be like to see you in such a gathering.

Music That Could Bring Showers

The history of the musical innovation in Uttar Pradesh dates back to Gupta's and the Harshvardhan's era when it was the major center for musical explorations. Mughal's pioneered the development of the musical instruments and it is said that music flourished in this era. The two musicians of the Mughal emperor Akbar's court, Tansen and Baiju Bawara are said to have made a major contribution in the field of music. It is believed that Tansen created the history by melting the marble stone with the charm of his magical hymn.

The Nawabs of Awadh and later the Ustad of Gharanas are said to played an important role in flourishing the music. At this time it was introduced in the folklore. The well-known folk music of U.P. is Rasiya, which celebrates the divine love of Radha and Lord Krishna.

Heritage Exhibited In Cultural Performances

This cultural diversity can be seen in other fields of life in Uttar Pradesh. The invention of Thumri and Ghazals is the perfect example of cultural synthesis in the field of music. Apart from Tulsi, Kabir, Surdas, Jayasi, Rahim and Raskhan, the great Mirza Ghalib, Ratan Nath Sarshaar and Chakbast ornamented the music and poetry in Uttar Pradesh. This State has the credit to introduce the famous Kirana, Ahalauli, Agra, Sahaswan, Rampur, Banaras schools of music. Uttar Pradesh has produced eminent music personalities like Abdul Karim Khan, Alladitta Khan, Faiyaaz Khan, Mustaq Hussain, Ramdas, Vilayat Khan, Kanthe Maharaj etc.

The dance and musical events are real opportunities to experience the cultural heritage of India in various dance festivals organized by the tourism department of Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow Mahaotsav held in Lucknow during the 4th week of November & 1st week of December, Sharadotsava held in the month of December at Agra and Taj Mahaotsav also held at Agra in the month of February are the festivals offering rear opportunities not to be missed by any one. The performance of the India's renowned dancers and musicians is the unique feature apart from the other cultural activities.

Dance to The Tunes And Rhythm

Uttar Pradesh has a rich inheritance of folk dance traditions. For every occasion there are unique folk songs and dances to reveal the joy & sorrow of the common folk. Women in the colorful attire are always ready on the sides of their men to sing songs and dance whenever they find an occasion to celebrate. The dances of the State are famous and have invited many foreigners to participate. The Raaslila, Ramlila, Khayal, Nautanki and Naqal are the famous dances where along the dances the epic tales are narrated to entertain the audience.