The Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is not just well-known for its natural beauty but also for its rich culture and traditions. The state has a versatile, multicolored and unique cultural blend, which makes it distinct from the rest of the states. Known as the “Paradise on Earth”, the state of Jammu and Kashmir has several folk dance forms, which forms a part of their culture and a number of festivals are celebrated with these folk dances. Some of the popular folk dances of the region are listed below. Dumhal Dance Dumhal is the traditional folk dance of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a form of dance which is performed during special occasions and one the devotional form of dance. The men from the Wattal tribe perform this popular dance form. The costumes that are worn during performance include colourful robes, a conical cap embroiled with shells and colorful beads. It is performed on the special occasion and besides dancing, the performers also sing along songs in chorus, tuned with music by various drums. Bhand Jashna One of the oldest forms of Kashmir folk theater that dates back to 300-400 years, Bhand Jashan is very attractive and simple dance preformed of the state. The word “Bhand” means a clown and “Jashan” menas function and on specials occasions such as marriages ceremonies or birth of a child or any other occasion of joy, the dancers put on the gesture of a clown and perform this dance. It is performed on a particular story and satirical style is adopted. Kud Dance A popular dance form of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is the Kud Dance, which is typical community dance, performed in the middle mountain ranges of the Jammu region displaying exhibit swaying and graceful movements. This dance is performed to pay homage to the Devtas of Lok, a God which is popularly worshipped in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is performed in a group of 20-30 members. Bachha Nagma Dance The Bacha nagma dance is one of the major folk dance forms which are very prevalent in the valley of Kashmir. The Bacha nagma dance is one of the popular forms of dance which is performed in social gatherings and special occasions by the young boys who masks themselves as women in long skirts. This folk dance form was one of the most common ways of entertainment in the olden days. Although today, there are several other means of entertainment, however, Bacha nagma dance still exist as a folk dance form and is considered as a major element of the Kashmiri culture. Rauf Dance The Rauf is a folk dance form which is mainly performed by the women folk of Kashmir valley. There are several folk dance forms which have particularly originated and flourished in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and Rauf is one among these dance forms. In this beautiful dance form, women line up in two rows facing each other and perform this stunning dance during the spring time by wearing vibrant and colorful costumes, symbolizing the season.
