WELCOMING RAIN WITH JHUMUR

In the districts of West Bengal, a unique folk dance called Jhumur dance is practiced where the dancers use a particular type of anklet called ‘jhumur’ as props during the performance. This is mainly performed by the tribal community of West Bengal.

Jhumur Dance, Source: Pinterest

Along the terrains of the red soil Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum, Bardhaman, and Medinipur, a unique folk dance is traditionally practiced by local indigenous communities. This is one of the most popular and beautiful dance forms of Bengal, where the women wear a special type of anklet called ‘jhumur’ on their feet during the dance performance.

During the Jhumur dance, the women perform in circular groups, holding each others’ arms, and throwing alternate feet up in the air. They dance to the rhythm of drums, flute, kortal, and madol. The men usually play the instruments. The movements of this dance are considered to be very unique due to hand and leg coordination. The accompanied music is usually the music of the local communities.

The songs talk about their struggle, livelihood, pangs of separation, problems in marriage, and celebration of life. This dance is mainly done to welcome the monsoons, after a summer drought. The songs focus on metaphors of the clouds, peace, longing, and rain.

These dances were mainly performed at religious gatherings. They were also arranged at the houses of zamindars, during the months of June and July.

Jhumur Dance, Source: Pinterest

There are many types of Jhumur. It can be performed solo, in pairs, or in groups, though it is usually performed in groups. In groups, if it is performed in circular groups, it is called, ‘Chakra Jhumur’ or Circular Jhumur.

This dance is mainly performed by the Orao, Munda, Santhal, and Kora indigenous communities of Bengal. However, there are variations in that, as well. The Munda and Santhal communities perform Jhumur, together, without making any gender-related differences. But in the Kora community, only the women take part in the dancing.

The dancers who take part in the performances are professionals who earn their living through these dance performances. They practice and rehearse their movements throughout the year and often go to places to perform shows.

These dances are performed in West Bengal for the last few decades and more. However, these dance traditions are slowly becoming extinct with time. Urbanization and new mode of entertainment have changed the outlooks and these celebrations are rarely done nowadays. The Jhumur dancers are also finding it hard to keep up with their professions. Many of them are moving away to different professions for survival.

Nevertheless, various classical and folk- artists are trying to retrieve the form of Jhumur dance and include them in pop culture. With time and patience only, folk dance forms like Jhumur dance can be kept alive in this modern day and age.