🦁
Hatti Community • Himachali Folk Dance • Republic Day 2025 • Cultural Heritage

Sinhtoo Roars at Rajpath: Hatti Folk Dance to Shine at 76th Republic Day Parade

For the first time in history, the Sinhtoo dance—a vibrant traditional folk dance of the Hatti community from the Giri region of Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh—will grace the national stage during the 76th Republic Day celebrations in Delhi. This momentous inclusion is a nod to the rich, diverse cultural heritage of India, and a landmark moment for the newly recognized Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.

🎭 About Sinhtoo Dance

• Sinhtoo, meaning “lion cub” in the local Pahari dialect, is a mask dance featuring handcrafted masks of lions and other animals.
• The performance celebrates wildlife and nature, promoting messages of conservation and environmental harmony.
• It’s performed during community festivals and seasonal gatherings, often involving drums, rhythmic chants, and ceremonial storytelling.

🧵 Evolution of the Art

• Originally, costumes were made from sheep’s wool, tree bark, and forest materials.
• Masks were carved from wood and decorated using natural dyes and plant fibres.
• Over time, these elements have evolved into woollen costumes, fabric scraps, and modern crafting techniques—preserving tradition while adapting to today.

📜 A Historic First for the Hatti Community

• The Hatti community, after years of advocacy, was granted Scheduled Tribe status in 2023.
• Their inclusion in Republic Day 2025 through Sinhtoo is seen as symbolic validation and celebration of their cultural identity.
• This moment shines a national spotlight on the artistry and voice of a once-marginalized community.

🕺 Grand Performance, Global Recognition

• 200 artists will perform the Sinhtoo at Kartavya Path, alongside 5,000 performers from across India.
• Rehearsals are in full swing, coordinated under the artistic leadership of Dr. Sandhya Purecha, President of the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
• The performance is expected to be recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records, highlighting its scale and cultural depth.

🌺 More Than Just a Dance

• Sinhtoo’s debut at Republic Day is not just a performance—it’s a statement.
• It brings visibility to indigenous traditions, folk wisdom, and the power of storytelling in shaping national identity.
• Alongside Sinhtoo, other Himachali folk dances will also be featured, making this year’s parade a truly inclusive celebration of India’s artistic soul.