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Kedu dance of the 'Kondhas' performed on the occasion of
'Kedu'
festival is a continuance of 'Meriah' festival. The 'Meriah' (human)
sacrifice of the Kondhas, a notable event in history and the most popular
tradition of the tribe perhaps surpassing others, has been substituted by
Kedu sacrifice retaining the other aspects of rituals as they were.
This dance is ritualistic in character connected with the ceremony in
honour of "Dahrani Penu" who is believed to be the bestower of
good fortune, good crops, protector of the people and their livestock. The
people have the belief that sprinkling of blood and blood stained face of
Kedu (buffalo) in the turmeric field reddens the colour of turmeric like
blood.
In this performance women dancers standing in a semi circle and holding
each other in their hands on each other shoulder while the male members
sing songs and play on the drums and flutes. The musical instruments used
are 'Dhol', 'Changu', 'Nishan' and 'Mahuri' and the songs in 'Kui'
language are mainly devotional.