About
Saila is a tribal group dance from the Surguja and Bastar plateaus, performed by young men carrying short sticks, moving in tight synchronised formation to the beat of the changu drum. Precision of the group, rather than individual flair, is the measure of a strong performance.
History
Traditionally performed at harvest and marriage-season gatherings, Saila groups train together for weeks ahead of a performance, and troupes from neighbouring villages have historically competed for the sharpest, most unified formation changes.
Styles
Marriage-Season Saila
Performed at weddings, typically the more celebratory, faster-paced variant.
Harvest Saila
Performed at the close of the harvest, often paired with informal community feasting.
Instruments
Changu · चांगू
A small tribal frame drum from the Bastar and Surguja plateaus, used to drive the tempo of Saila and Gaur dance performances.
Regions
Surguja