Tuesday 30 April 2013

Ghoomar Dance: royal folk dance performed on festive occasions



Ghoomar a traditional royal folk dance has strings attached to the state of Rajasthan. This dance was developed by the “bhil” community. The word ‘Ghoomar’ is derived form ‘Ghoomna’ which is a long skirt with spectacular colours. In the local language it is ‘ghaghra’.


The dance is performed in circles. The women arrange themselves in a circle.They start moving in clockwise or anticlockwise direction. Sometimes they clap. Footwork is an important ingrident of this dance. When the women dance the grace and the vibirant colour of the ghaghra can be seen.


The women dress themselves into traditional ghaghra and choli with chunaris. These costumes are highly decorated and have mirror work on them. In addition to that they wear their traditional jewellery along with bangles in their both hands. The faces of the dancers are covered.

Most populat song sung during the performance is “Mhari Ghoomar chhe Nakhrali ye Maye”. Songs are sung by both men and women.


It is performed by young girls or women. Age is not a barrier for this dance.

The dance performance can last for a couple of hours or it can last for the whole night.

It is performed on various auspicious occasions like fairs & festivals. In addition to that it is also a ritualistic dance.  It is performed on weddings. There is an interesting fact related to this dance form. The bride has to perform this dance once she is welcomed in her husbands house.

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