Kedu is a ritualistic dance form performed by the Kondhas, on the occasion of
Kedu Festival, a continuance of Meriah Festival, in
Orissa. This dance is linked with the ceremony in honor of Dahrani Penu, who is believed to be the deity of good fortune, good crops, protector of the people and their livestock. It is mainly performed by women folk standing in a semi circle holding each others hands. The men folk sing songs and play on the drums and flutes. The musical instruments used include Dhol (double-sided drum), Changu (a kind of drum), Nishan and Mahuri (wind instrument like Shehnai). Kedu Dance is accompanied by devotional songs sung in the Kui language.
