Folk Dances of Jammu and Kashmir :

Kashmir is famous not only for its scenic beauty but also for its traditional dances. Kashmiri people celebrate their festivities with a number of Kashmiri folk dances. The folk dances and music of the Kashmir valley form an important part of the Kashmiri culture. Given below is a list of some of the famous Kashmir dances:

Rouf Dance : One of the most popular traditional dances of Kashmir is Rouf. This beautiful dance form graces all the festive occasions, especially Id and Ramzan days. The dance is performed by a group of women facing each other. The simple footwork of Rouf is both a visual as well as an artistic treat.This is a spring time dance. This dance is performed by the women community wearing colorful costumes. This dance is practiced during the occasions of Eid and Ramzan. Women generally line up face to face in this dance. One of the most notable features is their intricate footwork during the dance which is called as Chakri in the local language. This dance is practiced with mystical poetry and the dancers dance in sync with the rhythm of the poem. 

Kud Dance : One of the famous dance forms of the state is Kud dance. It is performed to honor the gods ‘Lok Devtas’ as a thanks giving ritual and is mostly done in nights. This form has lots of interesting and twisted movements. Unlike other dance forms in Kud dance young people as well old people participate equally that makes it more interesting. Rhythm and Beats of the music dominate in this form of dance forms and dancers plan their movement accordingly. Some special Musical instruments are used in dance like Chhaina, Drums, Narsingha and flute. Spontaneity is another key Feature that is found mostly in all the folk dances. This kind of dance is generally performed in centre of mountains in and around Jammu and is mostly performed during rainy season. The reason behind this is the farmers and villagers who work as farmers want to oblige god the local deity ‘Gramdevta’ for protecting their cattle’s, maize crops, children’s and family from all sorts of natural calamities. The local farmers perform this dance generally and people join from nearby villages in the celebrations. Everyone is in their best attire and dance through the night and celebrate in a festive spirit. In typical Kud dance, dancers are in 20 to 30 numbers which is performed by famers to thank god and is generally continued till late hours in night. Jammu state has always been known for its rich culture which is clearly reflected in the various dances forms performed during different functions and ceremonies.

Dumhal Dance : Of all the dance forms the most famous Dance forms practiced in Kashmir is ‘Dumhal’. Dancers performing this dance are dressed up wearing vibrant colored robes and conical caps which are generally studded with beads and look really beautiful. Not every man can perform this dance but only males of Wattal can perform this dance and that too during special occasion. This dance is very different from all the dances performed which is performed on set locations and the set occasions..There is a special ritual manner in which dancers have to dance and a banner is dig into the ground and dance generally takes off with group of men dancing around this banner. Dancers sing in a melodious voice in chorus and they are joined by drum beats in between.

Bhand Pather : Bhand Pather is a traditional folk theatre of Kashmir, usually performed in social and cultural functions. A powerful combination of play and dance, it portrays social traditions and evils, bringing out the satire in them.

Hafiza Dance : Hafiza Dance is a type of Kashmir dance, performed at wedding ceremonies.

Bhand Jashan : Bhand Jashan is another one of the Kashmiri folk dances. It is performed by a group of 10 to 15 artists in their traditional style, along with some light music.

Bacha Nagma : Young boys of Kashmir perform Bacha Nagma dance, particularly during the harvest season. One of the young boys dresses up as a female dancer, performing Hafiza style of dance. This dance is also performed during the harvest season. The dancers are generally six to seven in number and sway gracefully to the mellifluous tune sung generally by the lead dancer himself. In some parts of the state this dance is also called as the Bacha Gyavaun meaning young mellifluous and harmonious voice.

Wuegi-Nachun : A less popular dance of Kashmir is Wuegi-nachun. It is performed after the marriage ceremony, when the bride has left for her new home. In this dance, Kashmiri pundit women dance around the bridal rangoli (pattern made with colors).

Dandaras Dance : Very high levels of skills and competence are required for performing this dance, which is mainly done during the Lori celebration. One can also spot a model of peacock made of paper, which is used as a prop for every dance group performing. It is one of the most energetic dances of Jammu and Kashmir.

       The rich heritage of Kashmir includes famous dances that are presented on all the major functions and weddings in the state and also there are some special dances presented on functions like birthdays, crop harvesting etc. Jammu and Kashmir dance forms are not only limited to the state but they attract the eye of all the people from all over the country. These traditional dances now form an integral part of the rich culture of the state.