Dance and Music : Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir has a rich tradition of music, dance and drama. The folk music and dance of the state is the lifeline of the Kashmiris. There are various dance forms performed according to the occasion – various seasons, harvest, weddings and religious festivals. One of the popular dance forms of the state is the Mask Dance, performed during the Hemis festival in Ladakh by the Lamas of the Hemis monastery. The dancers, representing divine or mythological figures, wear colourful brocade robes and heavy masks as they perform ceremonial dances around the monastery courtyard.

Marriage ceremonies in the state are marked by the Hafiza dance where young Kashmiri boys celebrate the harvest season with Bacha Nagma dance. Other famous folk dances of Jammu and Kashmir are Ruf, Wuegi-Nachun, Roul and Dogri. Among folk music, the most famous is the Rabab and the common musical instruments are Dukra, Sitar and Nagara.

As far as forms of music in Kashmir is concerned there are three distinct forms, viz. Sufi, Ghazals and Choral Music. Wanawun is another form of music that is sung and played during wedding ceremonies in Kashmir.