From the archive record
Choliya a martial art dance form of Kumoan region performed at a Kumaoni wedding. Choliya dance, a popular dance form in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand performing at Kumaoni wedding. Chholiya is a dance form practised in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. It is basically a sword dance accompanying a marriage procession but now it is performed on many auspicious occasions. Kumaoni weddings are very simple but are solemnized with a number of rituals and traditions. In the villages and in interiors traditionally, a white flag called 'Nishan' leads the marriage procession representing the bridegroom, followed by drummers, pipers and a white palanquin carrying the groom. The last man of the procession carries another flag, of red colour, representing the bride. When the marriage party returns fro