The Ghumura or Ghumra dance is one of the most famous dances in Odisha. The costume of Ghumura looks like a tribal dress but recently researchers have observed that the mudras and dance forms present in Ghumura represent other classical dance forms in India. The history of the Ghumura dance is unclear but according to the researchers, this dance is an ancient dance used by Ravana in Ramayana and it was a war dance. The Sun Temple of Konark depicts the Ghumura dance which dates back to the medieval period. In ‘Sarala Mahabharata,’ the Ghumura dance has been mentioned as Dhola Madala Gadi je Ghumura Bajai Ghumura je Ghumu Ghumu Hoi Garajai
This dance was performed as a Darbari dance in the state of Kalahandi and it is performed even during times of war. This dance appears Heroic as the effect of the sound which comes from the musical instruments like Ghumura, Nishan, Dhol, Taal, Madal, etc. as well as the expressions and movements of the artists makes this look totally a heroic act. The dance has evolved from a war dance to a cultural and social activity. the dance provides entertainment, relaxation and invokes the feeling of love, devotion, friendly brotherhood among all classes, creeds, and religions in the present day. This dance is performed during the celebrations of the Nukhai and Dahshara in Kalahandi and also the South-Western region of Odisha. Even in the parts bordering Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, still, the Ghumura dance is hidden. still, The Kalahandi region has taken up the task of popularizing and retaining its unique identity of Ghumura dance therefore Kalahandi is rightly known as the land of Ghumura. In various international events, Ghumura dance has got the opportunity to represent the nation at Delhi, Moscow, Kolkata, and various other cities in India. Ghumura dance is also one of the most famous and researched dances of Odisha.
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