Hojagiri is a Tripuri Reang tribe folk dance performed in the state of Tripura, India. Reang or Riang are one of Tripura's scheduled tribes. The correct name for this ethnic group is Bru. It is performed by a team of 4 to 6 women and young girls who sing while balancing on an earthen pitcher and managing various props such as a bottle on the head and an earthen lamp in the hand. This article will explain to you the concepts related to Hojagiri which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Hojagiri

• In the Indian state of Tripura, Hojagiri is a Reang tribe folk dance.
• The dance is done during the Hojagiri festival, also known as Laxmi Puja, which take place on the full moon night after Durga Puja.
• In most cases, it is after the third day of Dussehra. On this day, the Goddess Mailuma (Laxmi) is honoured.
• The male members take part in the lyric singing and playing of the Kham and Sumui (Kshumu).

Hojagiri Dance

Hojagiri - Features

• In Tripura, Hojagiri dance is quite popular. This type of dance is done during the Durga Puja festival of Hojagiri, which falls on the third day of Dussehra.
• This dance form has 4 to 6 individuals, all of whom are women who perform this dance.
• The songs were sung by the males who accompanied the Sumui and Kham instruments. The women in the chorus performed songs. The song's lyrics are simple, but the Hojagiri dance is unique.
• Every performer needs to use a Kalash, a traditional lamp, a bottle, a Baling formed from a cane used for rice washing, a handkerchief, a pitcher, and a simple plate in this dance form.
• The movement of their hands and even the upper body is somewhat restricted, whereas the movement from their waist down to their feet creates a wonderful wave.
• When the Reang belle dance twists rhythmically the lower part of the body while standing on an earthen pitcher with a bottle on the head and a lighted lamp on it, the onlookers are perplexed.
• The Reangs also use musical instruments such as the Khamb, a bamboo flute, and a bamboo cymbal.
• The Reang women prefer to wear Pachra and Rea in black. Reang women wear a coin ring that covers their entire upper region.
• In addition, they wear coin rings in their ears. They enjoy using fragrant flowers as ornaments.
• Slow hip and waist movements are seen in this type of dance form. This dance pattern takes 30 minutes to complete.
• This dance genre depicts the complete Jhum or Huk growing process. This dance genre is similar to Hukni dance in certain ways, but the distinction is in the beat.
• This type of dance is quite popular all around the world, and it is often featured in international cultural programmes.

Conclusion

This dance was once known as Hodagiri among the Reangs and was only performed on the day of Maikhlungmo Puja, also known as Lakshmi Puja, for bulk production of Paddy and other crops.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Hojagiri dance is primarily performed by which community in India?

A) Bhil
B) Reang (Bru)
C) Gonds
D) Santhals

2. What is the main purpose of the Hojagiri dance?

A) To celebrate marriage
B) To celebrate the harvest season
C) To honor warriors
D) To celebrate the monsoon

3. What unique feature distinguishes Hojagiri dance from other Indian folk dances?

A) Performers balance on earthen pitchers
B) Use of swords
C) Fire juggling
D) Male-dominated performances

4. Which deity is honored during the Hojagiri dance?

A) Saraswati
B) Laxmi
C) Shiva
D) Durga

5. Which state is the origin of the Hojagiri dance?

A) Assam
B) West Bengal
C) Tripura
D) Meghalaya

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the cultural significance of the Hojagiri dance in the context of the Reang community in Tripura.

Answer: Hojagiri is more than just a folk dance; it is an important cultural expression of the Reang (Bru) community in Tripura. The dance celebrates the harvest season, symbolizing prosperity and the gratitude of the community towards the goddess Laxmi for a good harvest. It reflects the agrarian lifestyle of the Reang people and emphasizes their connection with nature and agricultural cycles.

The unique balance and dexterity exhibited by the dancers on earthen pitchers are symbolic of the community's resilience and harmony with their environment. Additionally, the traditional attire and music associated with Hojagiri preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Reang people, making it an integral part of their identity.

Q2: Analyze the role of folk dances like Hojagiri in promoting cultural diversity and preserving indigenous traditions in India.

Answer: Folk dances like Hojagiri play a crucial role in promoting cultural diversity and preserving indigenous traditions. Hojagiri, with its unique performance style, represents the distinct cultural identity of the Reang (Bru) community in Tripura. By celebrating the dance at festivals and cultural events, the Reang people ensure that their heritage is passed down to future generations.

Such dances foster cultural pride and provide a platform for communities to showcase their traditions on a national and global stage. In a diverse country like India, preserving and promoting folk dances helps maintain cultural plurality and protects the unique identities of various ethnic groups, which is essential for social cohesion and intercultural dialogue.

Q3: Evaluate the challenges faced by traditional folk dances like Hojagiri in the age of modernization and globalization.

Answer: Traditional folk dances like Hojagiri face several challenges in the modern era, including the threat of cultural homogenization due to globalization. Younger generations may find it difficult to maintain interest in folk traditions amidst the influence of popular and globalized entertainment forms. Additionally, the migration of rural populations to urban areas often leads to the erosion of traditional practices, as performers may lose touch with their cultural roots.

Furthermore, the commercialization of folk dances can dilute their original significance, transforming them into mere spectacles for tourism rather than preserving their cultural essence. To safeguard such traditions, there is a need for concerted efforts by governments, cultural organizations, and local communities to document and promote these art forms through festivals, educational programs, and media representation.

Previous Year Questions on Hojagiri Dance

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019:

Question: Hojagiri dance, performed by the Reang community, is associated with which Indian state?

A) Assam
B) Tripura
C) Manipur
D) Mizoram

Answer: B

Explanation: Hojagiri is a traditional folk dance performed by the Reang (Bru) community of Tripura, particularly during the post-harvest festival celebrations.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Discuss the importance of folk dances like Hojagiri in preserving the cultural identity of indigenous communities in India."

Answer: Folk dances like Hojagiri are vital in preserving the cultural identity of indigenous communities such as the Reang (Bru) of Tripura. These dances are not only a form of entertainment but also a means of expressing the community's connection to their land, agricultural practices, and religious beliefs. Hojagiri, for instance, celebrates the harvest season and honors the goddess Laxmi, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual values of the Reang community.

By continuing to practice and perform such dances, indigenous communities preserve their heritage and pass it on to future generations, ensuring that their unique identity remains intact in the face of modernization and globalization. These folk traditions also contribute to India's cultural diversity and are essential for maintaining the country’s rich cultural tapestry.