Jagarna
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
A Dogra women's dance and play performed in the groom's home on the night the wedding party leaves for the bride's village.
FolkWhere: Jammu regionOccasion: Weddings, on the night the baraat (groom's party) is away
| Performed by | Women of the groom's family and neighbourhood |
|---|---|
| Costume | Festive Dogra dress; some women dress as men for the skits |
| Music and instruments | Folk songs sung by the women, with the dholak |
How it is performed
- Once the men have left with the baraat, the women of the house gather and stay awake through the night (jagarna means 'keeping awake').
- They sing folk songs and dance in turns to the dholak.
- Some women act out short comic skits about family life, often dressing up as men.
- The night of song and laughter goes on until dawn.
Significance
Jagarna keeps the home cheerful and watchful while the men are away and gives women a free space to perform, joke and sing at a wedding.