The Khonds are tribal people, also called as Samanlas inhabiting the
inaccessible, hilly areas of Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam districts in
Andhra Pradesh. The Khonds perform the peacock dance during weddings
and festivals. The dance involves Pirodi, a form of flute while
tinkling bells around the ankles is the only musical rhythm. All the
dancers wear white dhotis and attractive turbans, which is made of
locally growing grass that is tugged with colourful rags. Bunches of
peacock feathers are tied behind their waists which appear like
peacock tails when they bend during the dance.
The dancers stand skillfully in two rows in the beginning, imitating the cry of peacock. After forming a circle, they bend forward from their knees which looks like a dancing peacock. The dancers pay obeisance to nature and Sun god before they start dancing. Different acts like sitting, stepping, bending, circling, and waving appears as if dozens of peacocks are dancing joyously in a circle. It is a creative dance form, that requires great coordination.