"Jhumar is a captivating folk art form."
When it comes to traditional Indian folk dances, Jhumar shines in glory.
The dance form originally comes from Punjab and is frequently performed during harvest.
Haryana has also adopted the routine as one of its signature dances.
Other regions including Jharkhand are also fond of Jhumar as well.
With colourful costumes and connotations of happiness at its core, Indian dancers love the routine with a passion.
This gleams in the infectious performances of the artists who bring the dance to life.
DESIblitz invites you on a gripping dance odyssey as we delve into the history of Jhumar, uncovering its origins and learning about its craft.
Origins
According to etymology, the term ‘Jhumar’ derives from the ornament with the same name.
Women often wear this ornament on their foreheads.
It is also believed that the word shares semantics with the verb ‘Jhoom’, which means ‘sway’.
The folk dance came from Balochistan and Multan. These areas are in Pakistan.
Although it originated in Pakistan, traders brought Jhumar to India.
Swaying is a key aspect of the routine and the performances often encourage the dancers and the audience to move in such manners.
This is accompaniment to the rhythm and the tuning of the dance.
The routine is a dance that primarily features men. Weddings and other such festivities are common places where Jhumar is performed.
Over many years, it has become a loved folk dance.
How is it Performed?
The choreography in Jhumar resembles the movement of animals and birds.
As the routine reflects the harvest season, the dancers also connote themselves to ploughing fields, sowing seeds, and watering plants.
As mentioned previously, performers mostly comprise men.
Three generations including grandfathers, fathers, and sons can perform in these groups.
The performers of Jhumar usually dance in a circle with one single drummer in the centre of the formation.
Arms are key to the routine with the upper limbs forming the main step.
The dancers can also place their left hand below their ribs as their right hand gesticulates in the air.
Dancers also move closer together in the centre and mock plant seeds.
This is shown when they bend forward, straighten up, and throw their left arm, making an arc.
The dancers also mimic threshing grain. They also make sounds that resemble a tambourine which is in tandem with the beat.
Costumes of Jhumar
Jhumar is often enhanced by traditional Punjabi attire.
The men wear white kurtas with colourful turbans.
Although Jhumar is typically performed by men, women in Haryana participate in the dance, especially at weddings.
Female dancers wear skirts and blouses, known as ‘lehenga-choli’ with a bright dupatta draping over their outfits.
Jewellery and other accessories adorn their bodies including anklets, earrings, bangles, and a traditional bindi on their foreheads.
Interestingly, the routine has different names depending on the sex performing it.
Performances that consist of men are known as ‘Mardani Jhumar’, which is an ode to the theme of masculinity.
Meanwhile, dances with female performers are called ‘Janani Jhumar’.
Janani Jhumar includes up to 20 women and requires concentration, coordination, and teamwork.
By swinging their feet in unison and steadily increasing their speed, the performers create an energetic spectacle.
Types of Jhumar
This routine has different types which can vary depending on the mood or the occasion.
These different variants are native to Haryana.
The methods can be according to the spiritual time of year or the instrument being used.
Let’s look at some of them in more detail.
Phalguni
This form of Jhumar is usually performed during spring, coinciding with the festival of colours, known as Holi.
After cold winters, Phalguni signifies the arrival of joy and brightness.
This variation of Jhumar involves enthusiastic footwork and elegant costumes.
Jhoomar
The Jhoomar Jhumar is a melodious blend of dance and romance.
Facial expressions and delicate hand gestures are key components of this variant.
Weddings are common places where one can expect to see the Jhoomar Jhumar in all its luscious glory.
Sarangi
Sarangi Jhumar intertwines the routine with its namesake instrument.
The sarangi is a traditional but popular string instrument.
Someone in the group plays the sarangi as the dancers exude confidence and charisma with footwork and movement.
Nostalgia adorns this format which takes the audience down memory lane via a beautiful showcase of dance and rhythm.
Other types of Jhumar include:
- Satluj
- Beas
- Chyenab
- Multani
- Jhumar Taari
- Rothak
- Hisar
- Bhadon
So many different types suggest that Jhumar is a diverse routine which deserves to be explored and preserved.
Future of Jhumar
Writing for WordPress in May 2023, a writer praises the dance form for its uniqueness and lasting impression:
“[Jhumar] has become a symbol of the state’s cultural identity, captivating audiences with its vibrant colours, soulful music, and mesmerizing performances.
“Efforts are being made to preserve and promote this folk art form, ensuring that future generations can experience the richness and beauty of Haryana’s cultural heritage.”
“Jhumar is a captivating folk art form that embodies the spirit and traditions of the region.
“Its origin, performance, and music are deeply intertwined, creating a mesmerising spectacle that leaves a lasting impression on those who witness it.
“This unique dance form serves as a testament to the rich cultural diversity of Haryana.”
“Its preservation is vital for ensuring the legacy and heritage of this exquisite art form for generations to come.”
Jhumar is undoubtedly a gorgeous art form which is an asset to the culture of Punjab and Haryana.
The energy, enthusiasm, and grace that the routine portrays are symbols of craftsmanship and elegant rhythm.
So, if you’re a dance aficionado seeking vibrant routines, you must give Jhumar a go.
You will be in for an effervescent and everlasting experience.
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