Ruk Mar Nacha is a popular folk dance of
Mayurbhanj District of
Orissa. It is an elementary form of the more evolved
Chhou Dance of
West Bengal.
This martial art form is a stylized mock battle between two groups of dancers armed with swords and shields. They alternatively attack and defend themselves with vigorous movements and elegant stances.
The dance is accompanied by the music which is noted for its rhythmic complexities and vigorous percussion. Mahuri (a double reeded instrument), Dhola (a barrel shaped two-sided drum), Dhumsa (a hemispherical drum) and Chadchadi (a short cylindrical drum) are the main instruments used in this dance.
