Rajasthani Ghoomar

The word "Ghoomar" means "spinner" in Rajasthani. Rajasthani Ghoomar is a stunning folk dance performed in Rajasthan. The dance derives its name from the whirly movement of the dancers. It’s not just the movement that makes the dance so vibrant and attractive, but it’s the ghaghara (a bright long skirt with a lot of embroidery) that adds a lot of embellishment to the rhythmic movement.

Rajasthani Ghoomar is recited in the City Palace in Jaipur – a city nicknamed as Pink City mainly because of the vibrantly colored folks. The most spectacular Ghoomar that I have seen, however, is the one performed by the Banjaras (a tribal community in Rajasthan) in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer deserts. It was really a visual treat for everyone gathered there.Traditionally Ghoomar is performed during festivities or special occasions such as marriage. A Rajasthani bride is supposed to perform Ghoomar when she enters her husband’s home, so the dance is an inevitable component in a Rajasthani marriage. Women of all age groups participate in the dance. The dance has simple pirouettes that any woman can perform. There are different types of spins- clockwise and anticlockwise, but they are done diligently without affecting the rhythm of the dance.

If you ever got an opportunity to visit Jaipur, don’t miss the Rajasthani Ghoomer. There are several stages in the city, which host Ghoomer for tourists. Known for the royal palaces, Rajasthan attracts scores of tourists every day. Rajasthani Ghoomer has earned recognition as one of the most impressive cultural shows of Rajasthan. If you miss it, you are missing the soul of Rajasthan.