CHANGU DANCE

Changu is rural variety of the tambourine. It is played by the male-members of the Bhuiyan, Bathudi, Kharia, Juang, Mechi and Kondha communities of Sundergarh, keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Phulbani. The dance in accompaniment to the Changu is performed by women alone. The men only sing songs, play on the Changu and move with the female dancers with simple steps. While the women advance the recede back and on their advance the females retreat.

In between, the male dancers perform vigorous stunts in which they leap into the air and make wide circling movements. Peculiarly enough the women cover up their persons with long local made Saris. Only their bangled hands and feet remain visible. In a group the female dancers dance in a half-sitting position with swaying and sometimes jerky movements. During festivals and on any moon-lit night the young boys and girls assemble and dance to express their joy in living.