Improv Mahabharat: The Khatgayan Pandvani- Nakul Byah
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Improv Mahabharat: The Khatgayan Pandvani- Nakul Byah

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Lakhan Singh Dhruv

Lakhan Singh Dhruv is a Nacha perfomer based in Village Chirko, district Mahasammund, Chhattisgarh. He now sings the Khatgayan Pandvani, and is one of the few keeping this tradition alive.

Chirko, Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh, 2019

Pandvani  are lore of the Pandavas sung and recited in Chhattisgarh. This video presents a rarely known form of singing the Pandvani known locally as Khatgayan Pandvani. The story, part of regional lore, recounts adventures that lead to the marriage of Nakul, with  Bheema as its principal protagonist. 

Laxman Ram Dhruv, from Chirko village, in Mahasammund district in Chhattisgarh presents the story with his troupe. His style of presenting the story owes much to the Nacha form of theater popular in Chhattisgarh, in which light hearted banter accompanies the telling of the story. He also weaves in topical references to further enliven the tale and keep its relevance. 

 

This content has been created as part of a project commissioned by the Directorate of Culture and archaeology, Government of Chhattisgarh to document the cultural and natural heritage of the state of Chhattisgarh.