Pandav Lila
Pandav Lila or Pandav Nritya (
History and format
The origins of the Pandav Lila are intermingled with
Every village can have its own variation, and some may place a greater emphasis on singing or drama.[7] The performances begin at night and last till early mornings. The episodes from the epic are not necessarily performed in a linear order, as the intention is not to convey the epic's story but dance out or enact specific scenes that the artists or villagers are familiar with.[7] As the story progresses and the action intensifies, they begin to start earlier in the day and continue till morning next day. The most-awaited episode is often a battle between a father and a son, Arjuna and Nagarjuna, which is known by the name gainda (Hindi for rhinoceros), as it involves Arjuna killing the rhinoceros that belongs to his son.[4] The weapons used in the drama are worshipped and are never allowed to touch the ground, so they can retain their power, and are taken care of till the next lila.[9] As it is practically impossible to enact the whole of Mahabharata, the longest epic poem in existence, the performers can choose their own episodes for enactment.[10]
Notes
Bibliography
- Sax, William Sturman (2002). Dancing the Self: Personhood and Performance in the Pāṇḍava Līlā of Garhwal. ISBN 9780195139150.