Rouf
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A graceful Kashmiri dance of women in two facing rows, arms linked, stepping softly forward and back as they sing.
FolkWhere: Kashmir valleyOccasion: Eid, the month of Ramzan, weddings and the spring and harvest seasons
| Performed by | Groups of women and girls |
|---|---|
| Costume | Long pheran with embroidered neckline and cuffs, a headscarf and traditional jewellery |
| Music and instruments | Songs sung by the dancers themselves in Kashmiri, sometimes with light drumming |
How it is performed
- Two rows of women face each other, each dancer with her arms around the waists or shoulders of her neighbours.
- One row sings a line and the other answers, so the song passes back and forth.
- The rows move a few gentle steps towards each other and then back, with a soft rocking of the feet.
- The tempo stays calm and even; the beauty lies in the matching steps of the whole line.
Significance
Rouf is the best-known women's dance of Kashmir. It turns any festive gathering into a shared song and keeps alive Kashmiri folk poetry passed down by women.