Five years have passed since the premiere of the legendary film Padmavat, and Deepika’s magnificent Ghoomar performance hasn’t left us yet. We still find ourselves humming along to that song’s calming melody and wishing we could dress like Deepika’s Ghoomar. It’s funny how one song can have such a profound effect on us and transport us to Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage.
Since then, the popular Ghoomar, folk dance of Rajasthan, has become a sensation in India. Instagram got flooded with the reels of this song and people are still trying to learn Ghoomar as they are so fascinated by it. Ghoomar folk dance of Rajasthan might have been introduced to this generation by Deepika, but it is in fact as old as the existence of the royal state of Rajasthan. Let’s rekindle that curiosity and explore the historical path of the Ghoomar dance form, which began as a hidden art form in the royal palace of Rajasthan and eventually rose to become the pride of India.
History of Ghoomar Folk Dance
Ghoomar is the traditional folk dance of Rajasthan. Representing the rich culture and heritage of Rajasthan, the name “Ghoomar” is derived from the word “ghoomna” which means spinning and going around in a circular motion. This folk dance is so beautiful and vibrant that it bewitches the hearts of the people watching it. We can see women doing the Ghoomar dance Rajasthan in the hooks and corners of the royal state on special occations.
Tribe and Origin
As much as the Ghoomar dance Rajasthan looks so graceful, the history of this dance form is also interesting. Also known as Jhumar, Ghoomar originated from the Bhil tribe of Rajasthan. Bhil Tribe is one of the largest tribes that is spread in various states, such as Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, etc.
The name of this tribe, “Bhil,” is derived from the word Billu, which means bow. It is known that the people of the Bhil tribe were great archers who had a profound knowledge of the local geography of Rajasthan. This tribe is an expert in guerilla warfare, and apart from this, they are also great sculptors. Aside from its rich history, the Bhil culture is captivating in itself. This tribe embraces the notion of living only once, perhaps making them the earliest wanderers in India. They traverse the state with their caravan homes, immersing themselves in life’s experiences and engaging in vital trade across the region.
Regionally, this tribe was the Hindus, who worshipped Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. They also believed in the deities of forests and evil spirits. Bhils were also very fond of dance and music, as they loved to enjoy dancing to the tunes of drums and flutes.
This tribe started performing the Ghoomar to worship the goddess Saraswati. Later on, this dance form gained popularity among the royals during the war of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajput and the Bhil tribe for territorial occupation. However, the Bhil tribe was defeated but the Kachhwaha clan decided to maintain the peace that led to their co-existence in Rajasthan.
As the friendship between two very different communities grew stronger, Rajputs also came to adopt this dance form and since then, Ghoomar has become an important part of the Rajasthani culture, especially of the Rajput royals.
Culture & Traditions of Ghoomar folk dance
Everything about the Ghoomer is significant and amusing. This folk dance is a beautiful amalgamation of traditional dresses and folk music, represented through the spectacular dance movements that represent the beautiful and rich heritage of Rajasthan. It has become a tradition to perform Ghoomar on special occasions, such as welcoming the newlywed woman into her in-law’s house, celebrating Diwali, welcoming the rain, etc.
The Ghoomar dance symbolizes such occasions and represents the onset of womanhood. The little girls perform this folk dance of Rajasthan when they transition from childhood to womanhood.
Folk Music & Spectacular Movements of this folk dance
As the name suggests, Ghoomar is a circular dance movement with the dancers going round and round with detailed footwork. Dancers move in a clockwise and anticlockwise direction with delicate hand movements.
The amusing fact is that while performing to upbeat music, women never miss a step or swirl of their dance movements. They sometimes clap along to the beat and unite their hands while making a circular formation.
These dancers perform to the traditional folk music of Rajasthan. These songs are sung by men with the sounds and tunes of musical instruments like dholak, bin and sarangi. Sometimes, women dancing the Ghoomar also sing the song by themselves and swirl to the music without missing a beat.
The Real Charmer: Costumes of this Rajasthani folk Dance
However, the dance and music both look more magnified and grand when the women dancing wear the traditional dress of Rajasthan. Well, the costumes of the Ghoomar dance showcase royalty and class. The long flared skirts with golden gotta patti and jewelry, including hath phool, matha patti and bangles in beautiful and bright shades of yellow, red and orange.
The main attire of this Rajasthani folk dance includes Ghagra, a long flowing skirt adorned with colourful patterns with sequence and gotta work on it and a choli adorned with the same design to compliment the heavy embroidery of the ghagra. Following the culture, Women also cover their faces in the veil while dancing. These veils are also beautifully crafted with opaque fabric.
Their looks finish off with the heavy ornaments that cover them from head to toe. No matter, how grand the occasion or event is, the Rajasthani attire of these women becomes the major showstopper. I am sure, we all desire that outfit for once in a life.
Fascinating facts about the Rajasthani Folk Dance “Ghoomar”
From history till the present, the Ghoomar dance has become India’s pride and the sole representative of the entire state of Rajasthan. The magic of this dance form has reached Indian audiences as well as the international audiences.
As per an online survey, the Rajasthani folk dance ghoomar was ranked in 4th position amongst the world’s top 10 local dances. To honour and preserve this dance form, Maharani Rajmata Goverdhan Kumari of Santrampur established the Gangaur Ghoomar Dance Academy in 1986. For her remarkable services she was also awarded Padma Shri in 2007.
You know! during ancient times, men were not even allowed to watch women dance Ghoomar and this dance form was only limited to the royal palaces. It was during the 80s when Ghoomar’s performances were staged outside the royal palaces and even men were allowed to watch them.
Indeed, Ajit Singh Tanwar, a modest Rajput Rajasthani man from Mawanda Kalan, defied all constraints and emerged as a Ghoomar teacher. He is now imparting training to over a thousand Rajasthani women in this exquisite dance form native to Rajasthan.
From Rajasthan to Becoming India’s Pride
Presently, Ghoomar folk dance of Rajasthan has become a cultural asset for every part of the state such as Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Bundi, jaipur and all the other districts of the state. Udaipur’s Ghoomar dance contains a hint of Garba; Jodhpur’s dance incorporates a lot of limb movement; and Kota-Bundi’s dance is accompanied by a unique, catchy song.
Rajasthani folk dance of Ghoomar is now becoming popular among students who participate in the cultural events of their schools and colleges. We can conclude that Ghoomar, which originated as a tribal dance, has developed into one of India’s most well-known folk dances because of its vibrant colours and flowing motions, which convey the culture that has preserved it for generations.
What is the purpose of Ghoomar Dance?
The purpose of this dance is to celebrate womenhood.
What is the new world record of the Ghoomar dance?
In 2022, Nushrat Barucha broke the world record of this dance form by dancing Ghoomar with 6000 women.
When did Ghoomar become popular?
It become popular during the reigns of Rajput.
If reading about this Rajasthani Folk Dance, Ghoomar, then do read about the Maharishi Vedic City That Ditched Dollars For Raam Currency In the USA.
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