The joy and satisfaction of a farmer can be seen through the Dhamal dance form. Dhamal folk dance is performed by the farmers of Haryana when their crop is ready to harvest. Dhamal is performed during Phagun month in the moonlight. The history of Dhamal folk dance goes back as far as Mahabharata.
Dhamal Dance Performance
The dance is majorly done in the Ahir community of the Gurgaon region of Haryana. A number of fifteen to twenty dancers participate in this dance. Men and women both participate there is no restriction on any gender. Dancers wear colorful and nice clothing during the dance performance.
The dance starts with a long been sound followed by dhol and other instrument beatings. Then the dance begins and dancers start dancing on dhamal beats. The dhamal dance is quick on the steps. Participants mainly jump up and down and dance together while enjoying, to show their joy. The dance also a way for communities to get together and dance. Male and female participants tease people from the crowd for not dancing.
Initially the farmers bow down in the field making a semi-circle around the riped crops. They ask god’s blessing to keep their crops always in good health. Ganesha, Bhavani, and The Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh) are prayed to come and bless the fields.
Props And Music
Women dancers do not carry any props in their hands whereas male participants have instruments like big Dhap or sticks. Instruments are also decorated with colorful cloths and frills to merge them with the colorful environment.
Whenever someone hears the state name Haryana ‘energy’ word comes into their mind right away. Haryana is full of energy and talents. Dhamal is one more energetic dance form of Haryana people spreading joy worldwide.
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