Common Props in Indian Dance

MATKAS (decorated pots):
Matkas only add color to the attire of the dancers. They have been the inspiration and an object of fascination behind many dances. These signify the dances from all parts of the country especially western states. Dancers put such 7-8 beautifully decorated colourful matkas on their heads & dance balancing them.

BAMBOO STICKS :
Who doesn't like to play with bamboo sticks? But dancing with them does sure guarantee more fun. Whether it Mizo dance from east or Bhangra from North, dancers display their breath-taking skills with this prop as no other dance in the world does!

DUPATTAS (Scarves):
These pieces of cloth are symbolic to the different colors representing the spirit of dance altogether. Some tie it on the tip of their index fingers & dance and some place it around neck where as others dance with the cloth widespread. These are basically used to celebrate the time of spring and harvest.

DANDIYAS :
Dandiyas are again beautifully decorated colorful (much smaller than bamboo) sticks used in the most popular 'dandiya' dance of Gujarat. Girls and boys go playing with these sticks during the dance, in a formation of circles, dancing clockwise & anticlockwise respectively. The sound of the striking of these sticks with one another are in the tune with the dandiya songs/beats.

MASKS :
Different Maks represent different moods of human beings (like Red represents Anger) and to a large extent also convey the message and meaning of a dance. These masks are generally used in South Indian Classical dances like kudiyattom in which dancers use different masks to elaborate their dance. The characters who do not use the masks have specific facial colours applied to their face.

GHUNGROOS (Ringing ancklets):
Any classical dancer is just incomplete without 'Ghungroos' tied to his/her ankle. The famous tapping dances of India are based on the lilting rhythms of the Ghungroos which combine and transcend one into the another and produce a magical effect.

Musical Instruments in Indian Dance
Tabla
Sitar
Sarod
Sarangi
Santoor
Bamboo Flute

Common Props in Indian Dance
Matkas
Bamboo Sticks
Dupattas
Dandiyas
Masks
Ghungroos