SINHTOO DANCE

PRELIMS BITS 

The Sinhtoo dance, a traditional folk dance of the Hatti community from the Giri region of Sirmaur district, will debut at the 76th Republic Day Parade in Delhi. This marks the first time the Sinhtoo will be showcased at such a prestigious event. The performance will feature 200 artists as part of a larger cultural program with 5,000 artists from across India.

Key Highlights:

• Sinhtoo Dance: A mask dance where performers wear intricate animal masks, especially lion masks, symbolizing the term “Sinhtoo” (meaning “lion cub” in the Pahari dialect). It celebrates wildlife and promotes environmental conservation.
• Costumes and Masks: Traditionally made from sheep’s wool and tree bark, now evolved to include woollen outfits and modern materials.
• Cultural Significance: The dance is a celebration of the Hatti community, which was granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in 2023. Its inclusion in the Republic Day Parade highlights the cultural recognition of the community.
• Choreography and Performance: Directed by Dr. Sandhya Purecha, President of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the performance is set to be recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records for its scale.

The Sinhtoo dance will not only showcase Himachali culture but also raise awareness about environmental issues and promote the rich diversity of Indian folk traditions.