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For the people of Uttarakhand, dance a way to impress Gods. Nati is one such folk dance forms performed in the Western and Central Hills of the Indian subcontinent.It is primarily native in the Sirmaur, Chamba, Kinnaur, Uttarkashi, Dehradun , Jaunsar-Bawar and Tehri Garhwal districts.
There are several varieties of Nati like Kullvi Nati, Mahasuvi Nati, Sirmauri Nati, Kinnauri Nati, Jaunpuri Nati, Bangani Nati. While in Garhwali it is called Tandi, the people of Jaunsar-Bawar term it as Barada Nati.
In this dance form, a story is embedded into songs depicting social or spiritual scenarios and is then danced upon.
Special occasions are selected in order to prepare for this wonderful piece of art where the boys and girls, men and women, very enthusiastically entertain the local crowd that attends the function.
The people of Uttarakhand dance to celebrate occasions like marriages, praising the deities, the heroic deeds of Kings in the battle, addressing the elements beyond logical human comprehension.
The major goal of the Nati folk dance is to rejuvenate the people from their stressful lives. It is a reminder to those who have forgotten the actual essence of life and enjoyment. By being happy from within, one is able to please the gods which is why this dance is performed on specific occasions.
Even in times of birth in the district, this dance is performed in order to celebrate life in the most joyous manner possible and to bless the person with eternal happiness.