Jhumar

Jhumar or Jhoomar is a lively form of music and dance that originated in the Punjab region in Pakistan, mainly in Balochistan (Pakistan) & Sandalbar areas. It is slower and more rhythmic form of bhangra. Jhumar comes from Jhum - which means swaying. The songs evoke a quality which reminds of swaying. Though the content of these songs is varied- they are usually love with emotional songs too. The Jhummar is a dance of ecstasy.

Jhumar is a folk dance performed during the harvest season in Punjab. It is a living demonstration of the happiness of men. The dance is mostly performed by the tribal Sikh(like Labanas) professional acrobats and has yet not been owned by all Punjabis.

Any time is Jhummar time especially during Melas, weddings and other major functions and celebrations. The emphasis of Jhumar is recreating the gaits of animals and birds. The movement of animals, the ploughing of the field, sowing of seeds and harvesting are shown in the original progression. The dance is also performed in circle, to the tune of emotional songs. The costumes of the dancers are very colorful.

Dancing Style

Performed exclusively by men, It is a common feature to see three generations - father, son and grandson - dancing all together. The dance is without acrobatics. The movement of the arms only is considered its main forte. Toes are musically placed in front and backwards and turnings are taken to the right, sometimes the dancers place their one hand below the ribs on the left and gesticulate with the right hand. This dance does not tire out its performers and it is normally danced on moonlight nights in the villages away from the habitation. The dancers of this dance let-off a sound, "dee dee" in tune with the beat of the dance which adds to its grace. This dance has also been integrated into Bhangra.

Types Of Jhumar

There are three main types of jhummar, each of which has a different mood, and is therefore suited to different occasionally, reason of its predominating mood. There is satluj jhumar beas jhummar and chenab jhumar too.

References

* [http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Jhumar Jhumar]
* [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021027/oct26feav2-56k.rm Video Guide]

External links

* [http://www.lokesewa.com/folk-dances.php Punjabi Folk Dances]