Jammu and Kashmir is a picturesque state featuring snow-clad mountains, lush green valleys, orchards, lakes, and more. The state is also home to folk dances and local music, which reflect the rich cultural heritage of the inhabitants of Jammu and Kashmir. The local dance forms are performed on many occasions, from festivals to marriages. Following is the list of the major folk dance types in J&K.
Folk Dance Styles Of Jammu and Kashmir
Rouf Dance
Rouf dance is a traditional dance form of the people inhabiting the Kashmir region. In this type of dance form, two rows of female dancers holding hands face each other and dance to the songs, which are in a question-answer format. Footwork is an essential part of Rouf’s dance. The dancers wear colourful ferans adorned with heavy zari embroidery.
Rouf dance is performed to celebrate festivals, especially Eid and Ramadan. It is pronounced as ‘ruf’ in villages and ‘row’ in cities.
Kud
Kud dance is performed by the Jammu division’s villagers residing in the mountains. It is characterized by turns and twisting movements in synchronization with the rhythm of the beats and music. Musical instruments used include flute, drums, Narsingha and Chhaina. The dance is performed by groups of both old and young people in groups of 20-30.
Kud dance is usually performed during rainy times. The idea behind the origins of this dance form is to please the local deities or gramdevtas to protect cattle, crops, homes, and children against natural calamities. The participants in best costumes dance throughout the night till the early morning hours.
Bhand Jashan
Bhand Jashan is believed to have its origins in the Poonch district and is popular in the western and upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir. It is performed in groups of 10-15, with the dancers holding on to each other’s waists and moving forward and backward, collectively in sync with the beats of the drums. The dance performances are based on specific stories and various topics, which are communicated to the audience through the dance moves.
The male dancers wear colourful kurtas and pyajamas along with a colourful cap. The female dancers wear salwar and Kashmiri pheran-type kameez, a scarf, and ornaments on the head. Both men and women wear specially designed shoes called jutis. The songs are not sung in the Kashmiri language but in Hindi, Persian, Urdu, and Punjabi. Bhand Jashan is usually performed on joyous occasions such as marriage, childbirth, etc.
Dumhal
Dumhal dance is exclusively performed by the men belonging to the Wattal tribe. The dance commences with a procession carrying a religious flag, which is planted on the ground, following which the men dance around the flag to the beats of the drums. The dancers wear tall, conical-shaped hats embellished with pearls and shells. The theme of the dance performance is praise of the gods.
Dumhal dance is presented during the pilgrimage to the Ziarat shrine. It can be performed at specific locations only.
Bachha Nagma
Baccha Nagma is performed by young boys only, though men dressed up as young boys can also participate. The performers are in groups of 6-7, with one of the boys singing and the rest of the group joining him in a chorus. The outfits worn by the dancers are similar to those of the Kathak dancers in South India. Bachha Nagma is performed during wedding ceremonies and cultural gatherings.
Wuegi-Nachun
Wuegi-Nachun is a traditional dance form of the Kashmiri Pandit community. It is performed at the end of the marriage rituals when the bride is about to leave her parental home in a Shikara. The Kashmiri Pandit women dance around the bridal rangoli and sing traditional songs.
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