Nagpur: The city-based South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC) has been selected to showcase its cultural talent during Republic Day Parade. The Saungi Mukhovta, a traditional tribal dance of Maharashtra, will be performed during the January 26 parade, as part of SCZCC float.
This year, Maharashtra has not got the opportunity to present a float on Republic Day due to rotation system. SCZCC is the only cultural zone among the seven in the country to make a Republic Day presentation. It had prepared two dances, one from Maharashtra and the other from Andhra Pradesh. But a selection committee comprising Ministry of Defence officials and artists picked Saungi Mukhovta after viewing both. 150 students from 20 corporation schools of the city are being trained by Ambadas Gawli and his troupe on the centre premises. Mumbai based choreographers Arvind Kumar and Pushplata Rajput are directing the dance sequence.
Saungi Mukhovta dance is performed in Maharashtra during Chaitra Purnima after the festival of Holi. Dancers hold small sticks in hand while performing. Two dancers wear the mask of Narasimha while others put on the masks of Vaitaal and Kaal Bhairav. The dance gives the message of conquest of truth over falsehood. The other instruments that are used by the performers include dhol, pawari and cymbals. Those playing the pawari are dressed in green gowns.
Piyush Kumar, Director of SCZCC said, “It is a matter of pride and joy that Maharashtra is being represented through this dance at the parade. I extend my greetings to all the participants and hope they do us proud.” The centre had won second prize for its Lezim performance in the last year’s parade.
