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10 Popular Indian Folk Dances That You Should Know About
India, owing to its rich and diverse culture is bedecked with different forms of classical and folk dances. Folk dances usually mark the celebrations during numerous seasonal or religious festivals. Common folk-dance styles like Garba, Bhangra, Lavani are indulged in with great zest and zeal across the country to express happiness and festivity. They are a vital part of our social merriment. Most folk dances have constantly evolved and grown over the years, bringing in uniqueness and novelty to the Indian culture.
10 Famous Traditional Folk Dance Forms of India
Some of the prominent folk dances of India, state wise, may include the following:
1. Bhangra - Punjab
Bhangra is a lively and energetic folk dance of Punjab. Its origin remains abstract. However, some say it is a martial form of dance while the popular version is that it was initiated by farmers to rejoice the Baisakhi festival or the harvest season. With time it gained importance in all major celebrations like weddings and festivals. No festivity in Punjab is considered complete without Bhangra. It involves vivacious dance steps along with the beats of a dhol or drum. The dresses worn are bright and colourful- a reflection of blissful and jubilant revelry.
2. Jhumar - Haryana
It is a dance form prevalent in the state of Haryana. In certain portions of the state, people also refer to it as the “Hariyanvi Gigga”. It gets the name Jhumar from an ornament worn by females to embellish their forehead. Young married females clad in striking get-ups and sparkling jewellery sing and dance to the bangs of thali or dholak. In general, they dance in a circle while singing. At times, a dancer may also balance herself on a thali to move around gracefully.
3. Garba - Gujarat
It is one of the chief folk dances of west India. Women engage in this graceful dance on festive occasions like Navaratri, Vasant Panchami, Sharad Purnima, and Holi. Women do the Garba on all nine nights of Navaratri. It encompasses going around in a circle, singing and clapping musically to the rhythm of a drummer or Dholi. Garba songs are largely a tribute to Mother Goddess Amba. The costumes entail a short coat or Kedia which has tight embroidered sleeves, churidars or tight trousers, bright waistband and coloured turbans or embroidered caps.
4. Bihu - Assam
This elegant northeast Indian dance holds an important place in the revels of Assam state. People generally participate in this dance form during the Rongali Bihu festival which denotes the start of the spring season. The precise details of its origin are not known. But according to the earliest records, King Rudra Singa of Ahom invited artists to partake in Bihu on the happy event of Rongali Bihu at Ranghar fields in 1694. Both women and men take part in this beautiful dance which includes quick hand movements and spirited dance steps. The vibrancy of this dance style is exhibited in the outfits as well. Men are dressed in colourful, embroidered gamocha and dhotis, whereas women adorn the traditional attire of Mekhela and Chador.
5. Hikat - Jammu and Kashmir
It is a playful and frisky dance generally performed by young girls and boys in Kashmir when spring majestically engulfs the valley in all its grandeur. The boys and girls become dancing partners, linking their arms, holding each other’s hands, bending their bodies backwards moving with perfect precision in a circle. They sing songs and the music is often provided by Rabab and Tumnaknadi (drum).
6. Lavani - Maharashtra
It is a melodious blend of tune, song, dance and tradition. The captivating Dholak beats coupled with dynamic dance movements makes this dance style particularly jazzy. It has a fast tempo and a powerful rhythm. It revolves around a variety of subjects like religion, politics, and society. Sometimes it is presented in romantic flavour wherein a woman is eagerly waiting for her love to accept her.
7. Kathakali - Kerala
Kathakali is one of the most familiar classical dances of India. This vibrant dance-drama features fascinating colours, graceful body movements, beautiful expressions synchronised to the tune of music and song. It originated during the 17th century and is extensively performed all over the state of Kerala. The dance depicts drama through mudras and expressions, which is usually inspired by The Ramayana, The Mahabharata or The Puranas.
8. Chhau Dance - Odisha
It is an ancient East Indian folk dance which initiated during the pretend fights of Odiya warriors who fought to the strokes of native musical instruments. Today’s extremely stylised Chhau dance follows the basic values of Nandikeswara’s Abhinaya Darpana and Bharat Muni’s Natya Shastra. The Chhau performers worship Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. This virile dance practice contains intricate footwork, jumps, and whirls, and legs and feet are used to illustrate bhavas.
9. Raas Leela - Uttar Pradesh
Raas leela is an interesting enactment of the mythological stories of Bhagwat Gita. It essentially describes the life stories of Lord Krishna beginning from his childhood and extending to his adolescence. It also explores the romance of Radha and Krishna apart from the divine love of Gopikas for Krishna. The art form comprises of charming dance actions and delightful facial expressions.
10. Pung Cholom Dance - Manipur
This dance form is a combination of movements and sounds which sometimes entail acrobatic skills and stamina. The dancers play the musical instrument called Mridanga while displaying their performance.
Folk dances are generally a part of every possible festivity- to welcome the seasons or a baby into the family, weddings, festivals and so on. They typically involve easy steps and are full of vitality and energy. They may be a hallmark of our country’s different states. Nonetheless, they represent oneness as all of them exemplify joy and vivacity.
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Consuming Sweet Potatoes in Pregnancy
Maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy can go a long way in ensuring the good health of both the mother-to-be and the baby. If you are pregnant, you must have already started eating everything nutritious there is, but there are certain foods which are healthy, which can make you think whether to include them in your diet or not. In this article, we will talk about one of the healthiest root vegetables there is - sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes taste delicious and are very nutritious. But can you eat them during pregnancy? Find out!
Is It Safe to Eat Sweet Potatoes During Pregnancy?
Sweet potatoes are a good source of essential nutrients that a woman needs during pregnancy. They can provide energy in the form of starch. While they lack proteins and fats, they are well-stocked with various other nutrients like magnesium, potassium, calcium, fibre, etc. All these nutrients are necessary for the healthy growth of the baby.
Nutritional Value of Sweet Potatoes
The table below provides the nutritional value of one cup or 200 grams of cooked sweet potato.
Nutrients
Weight
Daily Required Amount (%)
Vitamin A
1.9 milligrams
210
Vitamin C
39.2 milligrams
50
Manganese
1 milligram
51
Copper
0.3 milligrams
35
Vitamin B5
1.8 milligrams
36
Pyridoxine
0.6 milligrams
35
Vitamin B7
8.6 micrograms
30
Dietary Fibre
6.6 grams
27
Niacin
3 milligrams
20
Thiamine
0.2 milligrams
19
Riboflavin
0.2 milligrams
15
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Listed below are a few benefits of eating sweet potatoes during pregnancy.
1. Helps in the Proper Growth of the Foetus
Doctors recommend that pregnant women should eat foods rich in Vitamin A as they need at least 800 micrograms of Vitamin A daily. This can be obtained from less than half a cup of baked sweet potato. Vitamin A is crucial in foetal development as it helps in the growth of the organs like the heart, lungs, liver, blood, kidneys, and so on.
2. Prevents Constipation
Sweet potatoes are a good source of fibre, which is an important nutrient during pregnancy. Pregnant women often complain of constipation, which is a common problem during pregnancy. Your diet should comprise of around 30 grams of daily fibre - a third of this can be obtained from a single cup of sweet potatoes.
3. Helps in the Brain Development of the Foetus
Pyridoxine, also called Vitamin B6, is essential for the formation of a functioning brain and nervous system in the foetus. It is needed to produce blood and has been known to prevent morning nausea in pregnant women. A cup of sweet potato will have around a third of the required daily amount of pyridoxine.
4. Helps in the Bone Development of the Foetus
During pregnancy, a woman's diet should include around 90 mg of Vitamin C per day. A single cup of sweet potato can provide at least a third of that amount. Vitamin C has various roles, such as promoting enzyme activity, bone and tendon growth, skin development and so on. Further, it also speeds up the absorption of iron, which is required for the formation of red blood cells. A cup of sweet potatoes can also give you nearly half the amount of manganese required per day. Manganese is a rare mineral which also helps in the development of bones and cartilage of the foetus.
Risks of Eating Sweet Potatoes During Pregnancy
Everything you eat during pregnancy should be in moderation. If you eat too much, it can lead to complications.
Overconsumption of sweet potatoes can lead to a condition known as Hypervitaminosis A. It can result in foetal abnormalities, such as physical defects, severe liver damage, miscarriage, preterm births or even stillbirth.
Sweet potatoes are high in oxalates, which cause kidney stones in the body. This could lead to severe pain and impairment of kidney and gallbladder issues.
Mannitol, a special kind of sugar present in sweet potatoes can cause stomach ache. It can also lead to gas and diarrhoea.
As sweet potatoes contain starch in high amounts, eating them can lead to health complications in those who have diabetes or are overweight.
FAQ
1. Can You Eat Raw Sweet Potatoes During Pregnancy?
No, you should not eat sweet potatoes raw as the outer layer of the sweet potatoes if uncooked can lead to digestive-system related issues like bloating and heartburn. It can also cause nausea.
Sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy treat, however, please ensure that you do not eat them in excess. Follow a balanced diet which includes green veggies, fresh fruits, whole grains, and protein-rich foods and you and your baby will be fine. Read more
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Role Reversal in Baby Care: Let the Baby Bond With Daddy!
Time to feed your baby a bowl of dal rice? Or a fruit, maybe?
Wait, no need to do it every time all by yourself! Baby's dad is there to help! Just let him feed the baby for a change.
Time to change baby's nappy? Sit back and relax sometimes. Baby's dad will do it.
Hey mommies, how would you feel if it's actually happening in real life?
Sadly in real life, following is the most typical picture seen in most of the households - A mom, whether working or stay-at-home (it doesn't matter much), does all the baby related stuff at any time of the day as well as the night. Feeding, changing nappies, getting baby ready to go out, washing baby's clothes, making baby sleep are primarily considered as 'her' tasks. Many times, it's all done by sacrificing and neglecting her own meal times, sleep hours, and hence, affecting her overall health.
Then what does a dad do? He sits, reads newspapers, checks his phone, plays with the baby when he gets time or when the baby is playful; occasionally he might help in the above-mentioned tasks if needed. But will he be doing all these tasks independently, with all the responsibility? A rare thing!
It's time we bring some changes to the baby care routine in this new year.
You can assign one day in a week or some particular time of the day, when your baby is in dad's care, with no instructions, no interventions, no questions asked from your side! It's important to trust your partner in whatever he does, then only you will be able to actually use this 'me time' without worrying.
Wouldn't it be good for you?
You can be on your own, have meals quietly, have some free time, do exercises, finish off some important work, go out with friends or simply read a newspaper or a novel.
It's vital for all the moms to relax a little bit. It will help in maintaining good health and relieving stress. It breaks the monotonous routine as well resulting in better subsequent baby care.
Also, dad will bond with the baby in a different way. The baby will enjoy the new experience with the unique style of bathing, feeding, bedtime stories and playtime with daddy! Baby will be happier for sure! It will help in teaching gender equality to the baby right from your own family. It's also helpful in cases of emergencies like travelling, illness when you may not be there for the baby all the time.
So what are you waiting for? Implement the change and let your baby get showered with maximum love and care from both mom & dad equally!! 'Mom=Dad' impression will remain with the child forever!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Dengue in Pregnancy
Come rainy season and humid climate, and mosquitoes up their ante, becoming highly active, thus giving rise to many mosquito-borne diseases. Dengue is a prominent illness that can cause several complications, making it especially risky if you are pregnant.
What is Dengue?
Dengue is an illness that is passed on by mosquitoes. If left untreated, it can metamorphose into a severe and deadly infection known as dengue haemorrhagic fever. Dengue is generally found in the urban areas of tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. The Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which typically breed in stagnant water, are carriers of the dengue virus and they spread it through their bites. These mosquitoes have a life span of 40 days and carry the virus through this entire period. The rainy season is their favorite breeding season and one needs to be careful, especially during the months after the monsoon. These dengue-carrying mosquitoes are at the peak of their activity during early mornings and late afternoons.
Causes of Dengue
The following are the most common causes of dengue
Dengue carrier mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti that are mostly found in tropical regions and warm and humid climates are the primary cause of dengue.
Since these mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, open drains, pots, flower vases and stored water can become potential hotspots for dengue-carriers.
The dengue virus consists of four strains, which means that you can be susceptible to the remaining three even if you have been infected once.
Early mornings and late afternoons are when the dengue mosquito is most likely to bite.
Symptoms of Dengue
The following are the symptoms of dengue, which generally show up four to seven days after you have been infected by the dengue-carrying mosquito.
Dengue is identified with high fever which is accompanied by a couple of symptoms like headache, joint or muscle pain, vomiting, nausea, rash over the body, swelling of glands or pain behind eyes.
Severe dengue can show the following symptoms:
Bleeding from nose or gums
Extreme abdominal pain
Skin bruising
Continuous vomiting
Difficulty in breathing
Rapid breaths
What are the Risks of Dengue Fever During Pregnancy?
There are many risk factors that are associated with dengue and pregnancy when both happen simultaneously as your growing baby could be affected in the following ways:
Low weight at birth
Miscarriage if dengue strikes in the early stages of pregnancy
A primary effect of dengue in pregnancy is pre-term birth which does not allow your baby to grow fully
A severe complication of dengue is Dengue haemorrhagic fever and it can be fatal for the foetus.
Will Dengue Affect Your Baby?
Dengue does not lead to any kind of physical deformity nor does it pass on to the baby. However, it is best to take enough precautions so that the infection does not spread to the baby after the delivery. Your doctor will check your baby for a low platelet count, fever and rashes over the body if you have contracted dengue during pregnancy.
How to Treat Dengue while Pregnant?
The importance of treating dengue in pregnancy management is critical and is no different from general cases of dengue. Like others, it will include a blood test to check if you are infected with the dengue virus and to understand its severity. Here are a few pointers to its treatment during pregnancy:
You are advised to drink a lot of fluids including water and fresh juices since it is important to maintain the embryonic fluid level, and being hydrated is the key to it.
You will be administered pain killers and antibiotics to keep joint pains and aches in control.
Over-the-counter medicines are a complete no-no during pregnancy since they are not safe.
Your blood pressure and platelet count will be checked on a regular basis.
In case of severe dengue, platelet infusion may be advised.
You will also be administered intravenous fluid and oxygen.
Blood transfusion could be needed in case there is excessive bleeding.
Is Dengue Treatment Safe for Pregnant Women?
The most common form of treatment for dengue when you are pregnant is to ease its symptoms since there are no specific vaccines or antivirus that have been made for dengue. However, the safety of the mother and baby is of paramount importance; hence only medicines like paracetamol, which are free of side-effects will be prescribed. Also your doctor will ask you to drink a lot of fluids and take rest.
In case of severe dengue, you will be treated at a hospital where your condition can be continuously monitored and steps can be taken to stabilize your blood pressure and minimize any chances of dehydration. If your platelet count is low then you will need a blood transfusion to achieve the minimum level.
What are the Preventive Measures of Dengue Infection?
It is very important for you to protect yourself from contracting dengue during pregnancy to avoid any complications in the future. You are also responsible for your baby’s health and will have to keep it safe from the dengue virus. The following precautions will help you to do so:
Mosquitoes love warm environs so choose a cool room to rest in during the day time.
Install mosquito nets wherever possible and use safe mosquito sprays or repellents to keep the mosquitoes away.
Remove any stagnant water in vases or air-conditioner outlets around the house to prevent breeding.
Wearing full sleeved and light coloured clothes can help in warding off mosquito bites.
Get your blood checked on a regular basis and seek medical advice when you are in doubt.
Cover the doors and windows with a fine mesh to prevent the mosquitoes from entering your home.
While applying mosquito repellents, it is better to apply the repellent frequently and repeatedly rather than applying a larger quantity in one go, as this provides better protection.
Conclusion
As a mother-to-be, you will need to be extra-careful during pregnancy and ensure that you are safe from illnesses like dengue. Preventing dengue infection, taking timely measures and seeking prompt medical advice is the key to keeping yourself and the baby safe from dengue. Read more
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
13 hours ago
Q. My breasts feel full and heavy, but there’s no milk when pumping and during feeding baby —what do I do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
7 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
13 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
8 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
7 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. hi
need help and advice
my RT 18x16mm and LT 10x16mm ET 6.59
and did ovulation rest also showing fertility test C as if now , pls advice if we intercourse tomorrow then when will be my ovulation start.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
29 mins ago
A. You can check with an ovulation kit if it is positive then you can certainly go ahead with the conception because ovulation kit is going to give you 100% clarity whether you are ovulating or not with that you can try practising if you can conceive the same time
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