Anna Hazare is the only ray of hope these men and women have seen in the past six decades. As Anna entered his 10th day of fasting on Thursday, with talks between the government and Team Anna reaching a critical stage, a tribal group from Kalahandi, Orissa, made its way to Ramlila Maidan in hope of a better future. Clad in brick red lungis, cobalt blue robes and an orange cape, these tribals performed their traditional dance, Ghoomra.
Markanda Nair, head of the troupe of 11 artistes, explained that Ghoomra is a dance that was traditionally performed during the time of battle. "Annaji is also fighting a battle for the betterment of society. So, we decided to perform here to keep his and his supporters' spirits up," he said.
The Ghoomra performance involves beating of dhols, made from clay pots and animal skin. The instruments are Nishhar, a kind of a drum made from a metal container that is covered with animal skin and a pair of cymbals. "Usually, they earn money by performing in various villages," said Nair.
Describing the dismal condition that these men and women live in, Nair said Anna and his fight against corruption had given them hope for a better life. "We have nothing much to eat. We eat bugs and prawns. Our children hardly receive any education. And there is no connectivity to our village," said Nair. Even to travel to Delhi, the troupe had to walk 12 km before reaching a bus stand.
While the Ghoomra dance pumped up the morning crowd, the presence of traditional acrobats from Mahant, Chhattisgarh, called Natt Kala, caught the breath of the audiences. An underprivileged caste of Chhattisgarh, these families earn through their ancestral art of walking on a tight ropewalk. Ten-year-old Kadma can not only balance herself and walk on a rope, using a plate and a wheel, but can also swing violently while performing the act.
A troupe of 120 artistes reached Ramlila Maidan to support Anna and to voice their grievances. "Our children and families earn by performing acrobatics but that is unlawful. And our children do not receive any education to earn through other means. We are here to support Anna as our struggle is his struggle and his is ours," said Mayaram Nath, 50, the chief of the group. "We are tired of our living conditions and the callous attitude of the administration towards us," added Nath.
Markanda Nair, head of the troupe of 11 artistes, explained that Ghoomra is a dance that was traditionally performed during the time of battle. "Annaji is also fighting a battle for the betterment of society. So, we decided to perform here to keep his and his supporters' spirits up," he said.
The Ghoomra performance involves beating of dhols, made from clay pots and animal skin. The instruments are Nishhar, a kind of a drum made from a metal container that is covered with animal skin and a pair of cymbals. "Usually, they earn money by performing in various villages," said Nair.
Describing the dismal condition that these men and women live in, Nair said Anna and his fight against corruption had given them hope for a better life. "We have nothing much to eat. We eat bugs and prawns. Our children hardly receive any education. And there is no connectivity to our village," said Nair. Even to travel to Delhi, the troupe had to walk 12 km before reaching a bus stand.
While the Ghoomra dance pumped up the morning crowd, the presence of traditional acrobats from Mahant, Chhattisgarh, called Natt Kala, caught the breath of the audiences. An underprivileged caste of Chhattisgarh, these families earn through their ancestral art of walking on a tight ropewalk. Ten-year-old Kadma can not only balance herself and walk on a rope, using a plate and a wheel, but can also swing violently while performing the act.
A troupe of 120 artistes reached Ramlila Maidan to support Anna and to voice their grievances. "Our children and families earn by performing acrobatics but that is unlawful. And our children do not receive any education to earn through other means. We are here to support Anna as our struggle is his struggle and his is ours," said Mayaram Nath, 50, the chief of the group. "We are tired of our living conditions and the callous attitude of the administration towards us," added Nath.
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