Ghoomar is a traditional folk dance synonymous with the Indian state of Rajasthan (Earlier Rajputana). The dance is performed by women with elan and grace and includes swaying movements, accentuated with elegant traditional outfits. It has gained a lot of recognition and has been ranked as one of the world’s best local dances.
Ghoomar Dance is a traditional folk dance of the Bhil tribe performed to worship Goddess Saraswati which was later embraced by other Local Rajasthani communities. The Ghoomar dance is chiefly performed by the veiled group of women who wear flowing dresses called Ghaghara. It was ranked 4th in the list of “Top 10 local dances around the World” in 2013.
The dance typically involves performers pirouetting while moving in and out of a wide circle. The word ghoomna describes the twirling movement of the dancers and is the basis of the word ghoomar. According to the traditional rituals, a newly married bride is expected to dance the ghoomar on being welcomed to her new marital home. Ghoomar Dance is often performed on special occasions, such as at weddings, festivals, and religious occasions, which sometimes lasts for hours.
Ghoomar sometimes called Jhumar, can be joyfully performed by women from any age group as it has simple swaying movements. Its specialty is its special kind of footwork. There is no time limit for this folk dance as it may continue for hours or the whole night.
History of Ghoomar Dance
The Kachhwaha Clan of Rajputs who ruled Jaipur defeated the Bhils and later acceded to peaceful coexistence. From then it gets associated with the royal ladies of Jaipur, who perform it on certain auspicious occasions. Now it is performed on festive days in middle-class families in Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Kota–Bundi areas. In Udaipur, it resembles the Garva of neighboring Gujarat and is very musical. In Jodhpur, the movement of the limbs is jerky. The Ghoomar of Kota-Bundi is very lively and impressive.
Ghoomar dance
