Rajasthani folk dances are graceful, colorful and lively saltations and reflect the vivid, rich culture of the state. The ubiquitous Ghoomar, a premier Rajasthani dance form, encapsulates the true spirit of the state’s vivacious culture.

Born among the Bhils and nurtured by the Rajput womenfolk, Ghoomar is a dance performed on ceremonious occasions and festive days such as like the Holi, Gangaur, Teej celebrations etc. As part of the nuptial festivities, the bride is asked to perform the Ghoomar in Rajput households. The newly wed is soon joined by the women of the household, both old and young alike and they dance into the wee hours of the night.

This ritual is, however, held in the inner seclusion of the household called the Rawala. The dance derives its name from ghoomna, meaning pirouette or the beats to which these women whirl. Set to fast rhythm and striking beats, the women start to display their individual performances but with the increasing crescendo they dance together and display a rare coordination of footwork and hand gestures as they gyrate to the impassioned song.

The themes of the Ghoomar songs are generally episode of valor and the brave exploits of the Rajput men. The highlight of the dance is the costume adorned by the women especially to bring out the effect of their spin. The long embroidered skirts, ghagras, flare up and twirl and their colors flash brilliantly as they dance. They wear many amulets with laces dripping with also sway as they perform this art.

Gair Ghoomar is a variant of the dance form and is performed by men and women on the occasion of Holi, the festival of colors. The Walar, performed mainly by the Garasia tribe which inhabits parts of the Sirohi, Udaipur and Pali districts is considered a prototype of this famous Rajasthani folk dance. In case of these tribes, the Ghoomar is performed to the beat of percussion instruments such as the mandal and chang.

The fast moving veiled women in colorful robes, the rising tempo, the gay melody and the brilliant play of colors-Ghoomar is truly a spectacle to behold.