Holi Dance (Delhi Phag)

Understand

Where Holi Dance (Delhi Phag) comes from

Holi Dance of Delhi is the Phag tradition of the Braj-region migrants of Delhi (the Mathura-Agra-Vrindavan diaspora of the city). The form is the regional Phag dance performed at the Holi festival of the Braj tradition, with the cultural connection of the city to the Braj-region (the Lathmar Holi of Barsana and the Phag dance of the Braj villages). The form is performed at the Holi of the city and at the Lathmar Holi of the Braj communities. The Phag dance of Delhi is closely related to the Phag dance of the Braj region of UP and is performed at the cultural programmes of Delhi.

How it's practiced

Holi dance of Delhi is performed by men of the Braj-migrant community of Delhi in the courtyard of the host's home or at the open ground of the festival. The men dance in small coordinated steps and sing the Phag songs of the Braj tradition. The dance is gentle, with the small clapping of the palms and the small turns of the Braj dance vocabulary. Music is the dhol, the dholak and the small brass cymbals. Costume is the traditional Braj dress — the dhoti and the kurta with the colourful turban of the Braj. Performances are at the Holi of Delhi and at the Lathmar Holi of the regional community.