Types
Back

Filters

tribal dance

Types of Thongseng, andhra pradesh

Thongseng

Jumbong Thongseng is a solemn dance performed during the funeral of a deceased man in the Konda Savara tribe. It serves as a ceremonial farewell and a community's collective mourning process. Though less energetic than other Thongseng forms, it reflects the tribe’s deep respect for the departed. Through synchronized steps and soft music, the dance allows emotional release and unity in grief, while also reinforcing beliefs in spiritual continuation and ancestral connection.

Thongseng

Judodeb Thongseng is performed during festive occasions and particularly during the cropping season in agricultural fields. It celebrates the anticipation of a good harvest and expresses gratitude to nature. The dancers use joyful rhythms and uplifting formations to invoke fertility and prosperity. The community comes together in vibrant attire, singing folk songs that echo the rhythms of rural life. This form of Thongseng affirms the tribe's agrarian roots and their spiritual connection with the land.

Konda

Abdur Thongseng is performed after harvesting new crops and before consuming them. The community first offers these fresh grains to the village deity in a ritual of thanksgiving. This dance is symbolic of abundance, blessings, and respect for divine forces that aid agriculture. The performance is energetic and celebratory, with bright costumes and joyful drumbeats. It strengthens cultural discipline around food and faith and showcases the tribe’s rich ethical approach toward sustenance and environment.

Female

Guaren Thongseng is dedicated to ancestor worship and performed during the Aagam Panduga festival. This dance is a sacred tribute, wherein sacred food offerings are made and songs recall the lives and values of forebears. Through this performance, the Savara community reinforces generational continuity, reverence for elders, and the belief that ancestors guide and protect the tribe. It is a deeply emotional and respectful form of Thongseng, rich in symbolism and spiritual meaning.

Formations

Kinpur Thongseng is associated with the Puli (Tiger) Festival. It is performed to express gratitude to tigers, seen as protectors of the forests, crops, and livestock. This unique ritual highlights the tribe’s symbiotic relationship with nature. Through dramatic steps and vibrant music, dancers symbolize the strength and vigilance of the tiger. The performance reinforces ecological respect, animistic beliefs, and the community’s dependence on forest ecosystems for survival and prosperity.