The Huduk is a unique percussion instrument whose energetic beats form the foundation of the Godau dance.
Several folk forms are specific to particular tribes or jatis—communities that have traditionally performed them—and these communities claim these forms as part of their cultural heritage. Most commonly, these folk forms are associated with the occupation of the jati and offer a glimpse into their way of life, customs, and beliefs. Uttar Pradesh is home to many such jatis, each of which has its own unique folk form performed in the regional dialect of Hindi. One such folk form is Godau Naach, the traditional folk dance of the Goud people, a community historically engaged in the grain trade.
Godau dance shares similarities with other jati-specific folk forms like Dheemariya, Ahiriya, and Kaharwa, all of which utilize the Huduk and involve rhythmic dancing to its beats. However, these dances differ in costumes and steps. For example, Dheemariya features performers wearing ghungroos tied around their waists. In Godau dance, the performer sings while dancing and wears flamboyant costumes to captivate the audience.
Abhiraj, a resident of Azamgarh district in Uttar Pradesh, belongs to the Goud community. His father, a Godau singer and dancer, founded and managed a dance group throughout his life. After his father’s demise, the group faced the threat of dissolution due to a lack of leadership. Abhiraj stepped in, not only to preserve his father’s legacy but also to uphold the tradition of his community. Today, his group is the only Godau dance troupe in the district.
Historically, the Goud people performed the Godau dance during gatherings of the Prajapatis, a landlord jati. The dance served as entertainment for guests and was performed overnight. The songs performed in Godau dance can cover a variety of topics, as long as they follow a specific energetic tune. Each stanza concludes with Huduk beats, which drive the dancers’ movements. Abhiraj’s group typically sings in Khari Boli, a rural dialect of Hindi, or in Purbi, a dialect influenced heavily by Awadhi. Their songs are based on mythology and epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Abhiraj discourages his group from performing film songs or other mass entertainment numbers, focusing instead on their traditional folk art forms.
Kaharwa, closely related to Godau, is the traditional dance of the Kahar community, historically known as palanquin bearers. Kaharwa has become popular at weddings and events, leading Abhiraj to incorporate it into his group’s performances. Consequently, the group is now called the “Godau-Kaharwa Dance Party.” They have performed across Uttar Pradesh in cities like Allahabad and Varanasi and even competed once in Delhi. Despite being the only Godau dance group in the Azamgarh district, they have struggled to gain recognition outside their home state.
The group includes a performer who acts as a joker to entertain the audience with humorous antics and dances. This kind of entertainment has become common among folk groups in Uttar Pradesh, where a comedian or stooge engages the audience between songs and dances. In Abhiraj’s group, Faujdar Prajapati plays the joker. Faujdar, a performer for over 30 years, developed his singing and dancing skills by observing other artists from the age of ten. Known for his ability to sing while dancing, he stands out as the primary singer, especially since the group lacks a prominent chorus.
Abhiraj recognized Faujdar’s talent and invited him to join the group a few years ago. Over time, Abhiraj has scouted other talented performers to expand the group, continuing the legacy started by his father. The oldest member of the group, Lalsa Rajbhar, is now 67 years old and has been with the group since its inception under Abhiraj’s father. Lalsa encouraged Abhiraj to take over the group’s leadership after his father’s passing.
Abhiraj acknowledges that surviving as a full-time musician has become increasingly difficult, especially after the pandemic. While he and Faujdar are dedicated full-time artists, other group members have taken up different jobs to supplement their income. Abhiraj admits that he continues to run the group mainly to honour his father’s legacy, despite the financial challenges. He hopes to improve visibility and reach a larger audience, as limited exposure has confined the group’s performances to the local area. He believes that broader recognition will bring more opportunities and enable the group to sustain itself through their art.
