EXPLORE SPLENDID FOLK DANCES OF KASHMIR

Rouf Dance

Rouf is Kashmir's most popular folk dance form, out of all the dance forms. Since ancient times, it has played an important role in the lives of Kashmiri Muslims. This performing dance is present at every festive occasion, whether it is to welcome Ramadan, express joy during Eid festivities, enjoy the harvest season, or welcome the spring season.

The dance, which is known as Row in the capital and Rouf in the villages, depicts the queen bee's love story as she takes her 'nuptial flight.' Women form a beeline to dance in unison to the musical beats, inspired by the lovemaking behavior of bees. It is a female-only dance in which beautiful women dressed in elegant costumes, particularly Pherans (Kashmir's traditional dress), face each other and hold the other's waist or shoulder. They then sway their feet rhythmically forward and backwards to the music of mystical poetry. The dance's most prominent feature is its footwork. While watching the dance, one feels compelled to join in.







Dumhal Dance

The Rauf or Wattal tribe's men perform Dumhal, a popular Kashmiri Folk dance. Though a folk dance, its origins can be traced back to the Sufi movement, as it is thought to have been created by Shah Sukar Saloni to honor the Sufi Saint and his tutor, Baba Nasim-U-Din-Gazi. To brave the cold of Kashmir's winter, the dancers dress in bright and robust outfits and wear long heavy cloaks. Heavy beads and a conical hat are used to complete the look.

To the rhythmic beats of the drums, the dancers perform a group dance while carrying a banner with the desired message. They bury the banner in the ground and dance around it in circles. In a melodious voice, the dancers also participate in the chorus. The dance is only performed in specific places and at specific times, such as at certain shrines during Urs. Women have performed it on a few occasions recently, despite the fact that it is predominantly performed by male dancers.



Band Pather

Band Pather is a folk-theatrical dance of Kashmir that takes place in public areas. Not only is there dance, but also drama in this performance. As the drama unfolds, the artists act, enact, and dance to raise awareness of social ills in a fun, informative, and entertaining way. Bandh (buffoon) is the name given to the artists who perform in Band Pather, and Pather is the name given to the plays that they perform (drama).

Music, dance, and drama make up the Bandh Pather. Nagara, Dhol, and Surnai are some of the instruments used. In a satirical manner, the drama brings up social, economic, and political issues. There is no use of backstage sound or recorded music in the dramatization section, which is remarkable. Everything is in the right place at the right time. Satire, wit, and humour pepper the dance. As a result, it's more than a dance; it's a reflection of current social ills in an attempt to jolt society's collective conscience toward a more progressive state.



Baccha Nagma

A primary folk Dance form , Baccha Nagma, is also called ‘Baccha gyavun’. Young boys disguised as women perform this dance which is why it is named after Baccha,meaning an adolescent boy, in the local language.Not to mention, a man can only participate and perform this dance form if he dresses up as a boy.

In Kashmir, the dance is extremely popular, and it is frequently seen at cultural events and weddings. Baccha Nagma, one of the popular folk dances of Kashmir, has several members who perform, but only one is the lead vocalist, who sings in a melodious voice with the chorus. The dancers are dressed in colorful long skirts and perform energetically to loud music. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and their audience frequently feels compelled to join in.