Jhora
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
A circle dance of Kumaon in which men and women link arms and move together at fairs, open to all who wish to join.
FolkWhere: Kumaon, UttarakhandOccasion: Fairs such as the Uttarayani fair at Bageshwar, festivals and spring celebrations
| Performed by | Men and women of the village, of every background |
|---|---|
| Costume | Traditional hill dress; women in ghagra, pichhaura (stole) and the nath (nose ring) |
| Music and instruments | Hurka (hourglass drum) played by the lead singer, with songs sung in turn by the dancers |
How it is performed
- Dancers form a large circle, linking arms with the people beside them.
- The lead singer stands in the middle, playing the hurka and singing a line.
- The circle repeats the line and moves with simple, rhythmic steps, bending forward and back.
- The circle turns slowly as more people join, sometimes hundreds at a big fair.
Significance
Jhora is known as a dance of unity, since people of all castes and ages join the same circle.