Jhora is one of the famous folk dances of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is basically a dance form which is performed by the people belonging to both the high and low caste. This is a community dance form where all the barriers related to the caste system are thrown to the wind. This dance form is performed with the accompaniment of songs.
Performance of Jhora
This is a dance form that is performed in the evening and morning. It is mainly danced during the spring season, mostly during fairs and at wedding rituals. As the occasion unfolds, the number of people joining the dance increases, both men and women joins in. Men and women together move in a circle, holding each others arms and bending their bodies slightly as they move.
On the first beat of the Hurka (a kind of drum), the right leg crosses the left and striking the floor with right foot. On the second beat, the left foot is thrown sideways with a slight jump and little dip and the performers return to their original standing pose, with the bodies swaying slightly to the back. The third and fourth steps are given to the right and left foot respectively. Each of the steps is taken with a minor jump and the accompanying neck and shoulder movements. This completes one cycle. If the circle happens to be big, the Hurka players dance inside the circle accompanied by the flute and cymbals, singing and playing simultaneously rendering a sense of joy and exhilaration to the atmosphere.
Following the lead of the Hurka player, the women and men sing to the tune of the beats and music. The song may be presented in the form of a question and answer format between the males and females. There is actually no time limit for the dance form and it sometimes goes on for 24 hours at a stretch with new groups joining in while old ones retire. Sometimes, in extra exuberating mood they may dance the Do Manjila Jhora-a Jhora with two storeys.
Costumes of Jhora
Costumes are a critical part of the tradition and women turn up in their glamorous best. They also adorn themselves with certain simple ornaments like bangle, necklace and ear ring.
