Saang (Chandigarh)

Understand

Where Saang (Chandigarh) comes from

Saang is the folk-theatre of the Haryana region of Chandigarh (and the surrounding Haryana areas of Panchkula, Ambala and Karnal), performed by the men of the community at the courtyard of the host. The dance is the regional adaptation of the Jat Saang tradition of Haryana and is performed at the central courtyard of the host. The form is regularly performed at the cultural programmes of the union territory and at the regional community festivals of Chandigarh.

How it's practiced

Saang is performed by troupes of men of the Haryana community in a circle at the central courtyard of the host or at the open ground of the festival. The men perform in coordinated steps to the song of the Saang cycle and to the rhythm of the dhol, the nagara and the shehnai. The dance is energetic, with the men's small jumps and the stick-play of the Haryana tradition. Costume is the everyday Haryana dress — the dhoti-kurta with the colourful turban. Performances are at the central courtyard and at the cultural programmes of the union territory.