| Alayi Hejje
'Alayi Hejje', a semi religious dance of the Muslim community of Karnataka,
is a classic illustration of harmony between the two predominant communities
of India, the Hindus and the Muslims. Jointly performed by both Muslims
and Hindus, the presentation in Alayi Hejje consists of performers dancing
around a fire pit. It appears like a rope dance with 20 to 25 dancers
holding identical ropes which are hung from bamboo poles. The dancers
form a circle and dance around the pole artistically winding and unwinding
the ropes like plaits.
Alayi dance is an amalgamation of action and dexterous
footwork, supported by appropriate devotional theme. Performed as part
of 'Muharram' festival, Alayi Hejje provides a favourable forum for accomplishing
the much needed communal amity in this much diversified society. Serving
as a symbol of communal harmony, the theme of Alayi Hejje can be explored
for other purposes, than it presently expounds on the stage, besides its
religious functions.
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