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Changu is rural variety of the tambourine. It is played by
the male-members of the 'Bhuiyan', 'Bathudi', 'Kharia', 'Juang', 'Mechi'
and 'Kondha' communities of Sundergarh, Keonjhar,
Mayurbhanj and Phulbani.
The dance in accompaniment to the Changu is performed by women alone. The
men only sing songs play on the Changu and move with the female dancers
with simple steps. While the women advance the recede back and on their
advance the females retreat. In between, the male dancers perform vigorous
stunts in which they leap into the air and make wide circling movements.
The Costumes
Peculiarly enough the women cover up their persons with long local made
Saris. Only their bangled hands and feet remain visible. In a group the
female dancers dance in a half-sitting position with swaying and sometimes
jerky movements. During festivals and on any moonlit night the young boys
and girls assemble and dance to express their joy in living.