Wari (dance)

Wari is a traditional folk dance primarily performed by the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is a vibrant and energetic dance form usually performed during the Dree festival, the most important agricultural festival of the Apatanis. The Dree festival celebrates a bountiful harvest and seeks blessings for prosperity and well-being.

The dance is characterized by its rhythmic movements, colorful costumes, and the use of traditional musical instruments. Dancers, both men and women, move in synchronized steps, often forming circular patterns or lines. Specific steps and formations can vary depending on the village and the specific ritual context within the Dree festival.

The Wari dance holds significant cultural importance for the Apatani community. It is not just a form of entertainment but also a means of expressing their connection to nature, their agricultural practices, and their ancestral traditions. The dance serves as a vital link to their cultural heritage, preserving and transmitting knowledge and values across generations. The costumes and ornamentation worn during the Wari dance are often symbolic, representing elements of nature or significant aspects of Apatani life.