In News:

In a significant development, tribal families from Neelabandha, a remote hilltop hamlet in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, received electricity for the first time since Independence. In celebration, they performed the Dhimsa dance, a vibrant expression of tribal culture.

About Dhimsa Dance:

• Origin & Region:
  • Dhimsa is a traditional tribal dance predominantly performed in Andhra Pradesh, especially in the tribal belts of the Eastern Ghats.
  • Its origin can be traced to the Koraput region (present-day Odisha and bordering Andhra Pradesh), primarily home to the Gond tribe.
• Communities Performing Dhimsa:
  • Tribes such as Bagata, Valmiki, Poraja, Khond, Gadaba, Kondadora, Mukadora, and Kotia actively perform this dance.
• Occasions:
  • Commonly performed during festivals, weddings, and the hunting festival in April.
  • Celebratory, spiritual, and social in nature, symbolizing unity and joy.
• Dance Formation and Movements:
  • Performed in circular formations with dancers holding each other's arms.
  • Emphasis on synchronized hand and leg movements.
  • Troupes usually consist of 20 or more dancers.
• Themes:
  • Dhimsa is a narrative dance that expresses tribal mythologies, folktales, cultural mores, economic activities, kinship, and marital life.
• Musical Instruments Used:
  • Dappu, Tudumu, Mori, Kidgi, Gilka, and Jodukommulu.
  • A combination of percussion and wind instruments drives the rhythm and variation in the dance.
• Varieties:
  • There are 12 known types of Dhimsa dances, each varying in pace, rhythm, and purpose.

Rural Electrification of Neelabandha Village:

• Background:
  • Neelabandha is located in Arla Panchayat of Rolugunta Mandal in Anakapalli district.
  • Consists of four households (approximately 20 individuals) who had been living without electricity since Independence.
• Implementation:
  • The electrification was part of the Andhra Pradesh government’s rural development drive to provide basic infrastructure to underdeveloped tribal villages.
  • Under the directions of District Collector Vijaya Krishnan, and CMD of APEPDCL, Prithvi Tej, the Eastern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh (EPDCL) carried out the electrification.
• Challenges Overcome:
  • The hamlet lacked motorable roads, making it difficult to transport materials.
  • Electricity poles had to be carried manually for over 6 km to reach the village.
• Outcome:
  • Free electricity was provided to the villagers, marking a major milestone in tribal welfare.
  • In a heartfelt celebration, the villagers performed Dhimsa under electric lights for the first time.

Issues Still Persisting:

• Infrastructure Deficits:
  • The village still lacks road connectivity, educational access, and healthcare facilities.
  • These gaps hinder children's ability to attend school and access essential services.
• Community Response:
  • Local leaders, including CPI(M) district committee member K. Govind, welcomed the electrification but urged the government to address remaining developmental needs.