Ghoomar

What is Ghoomar?

Ghoomar is a traditional group dance from Rajasthan, India, performed mostly by women. Dancers wear long, swirling skirts called ghaghara and cover their faces with a veil. The dance is known for its spinning movements, with participants forming a wide circle and twirling gracefully. The steps are simple, focusing on coordinated turns and moving in and out of the circle. The music is lively, and the dance can last for hours during special occasions.

Where does Ghoomar come from?

Ghoomar began with the Bhil tribe, who danced it as a form of worship to Goddess Saraswati. Over time, Rajput communities adopted the dance, especially after periods of conflict and eventual peace between the Bhils and Rajputs. It became a popular tradition among women in Rajasthan, especially during the reign of Rajput kings. The dance has since developed regional variations in both style and costume.

How is Ghoomar danced?

The main feature of Ghoomar is the spinning or twirling motion, which is reflected in its name. Dancers move in and out of a large circle, turning and swaying in time with the music. The steps are not complex, focusing on rhythm and unity. Dancers often keep their faces covered with a veil and use flowing arm movements to accentuate the turns. The group maintains a coordinated pattern, creating a visual effect with the swirling skirts.

The music of Ghoomar

Ghoomar is accompanied by traditional instruments such as the dhol (a double-sided drum) and sahnai (a reed instrument). Songs performed during Ghoomar include folk tunes like "Gorband", "Podina", and "Mor Bole Re". The lyrics often tell stories of royal legends or local traditions. The tempo can vary by region, with faster beats near Gujarat and slower rhythms in other areas.

Costume and what is carried

Women dancing Ghoomar wear a ghaghara, a long, pleated skirt that flares out as they spin. A veil, or ghoonghat, covers their faces, in keeping with tradition. The costume may differ by region, but the flowing skirt and veil are central. The bright colors and movement of the fabric add to the visual appeal of the dance.

When and where Ghoomar is danced

Ghoomar is performed at weddings, festivals, and religious events in Rajasthan. A newly married bride is expected to dance Ghoomar when welcomed into her new home. The dance is a group activity, usually involving only women, and can last for hours during celebrations. Training is often passed down within families or taught in dance academies.

Styles of Ghoomar

Different regions of Rajasthan have their own styles of Ghoomar. In areas close to Gujarat, the dance is performed to faster music with steps similar to the garba. In places like Dhaulpur, Karauli, and Braj, the rhythm is slower. Costume details and dance steps can also change from city to city, such as in Udaipur, Kota, and Bundi.

What Ghoomar means

Ghoomar is a symbol of Rajasthani identity and tradition. It is closely linked to rituals around marriage and is a source of pride for local communities. Efforts to preserve the dance include the founding of the Gangaur Ghoomar Dance Academy. Ghoomar has also gained wider attention through film and public performances.

Questions people ask about Ghoomar

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Ghoomar on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data
• Videos of Ghoomar on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo