‘Jhamakada’ Folk Dance

CURRENT CONTEXT : Kangra’s folk dance Jhamakada was recently showcased at the Saputara Monsoon Festival 2025 in Gujarat, as part of the cultural exchange under the ‘Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative. A 19-member troupe from Himachal Pradesh brought this vibrant tradition to life.

ABOUT JHAMAKADA

• Origin & Region
  • Traditional folk dance of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh
  • Mainly performed by women during special occasions like weddings and thread ceremonies
• Performance Style
  • Group Dance by Women: Performed and watched only by women in earlier times
  • Playful Rules: Traditionally, if any man was caught watching, he was jokingly punished by the dancers
• Occasions and Duration
  • Held during weddings, festivals, or life events
  • Can last throughout the night, often including songs and acts about daily life and social themes
• Costumes & Music
  • Women often dress up as men (cross-dressing for fun and role play)
  • Accompanied by folk songs and traditional instruments like dhol and dholki
• Cultural Importance
  • A symbol of community bonding, oral storytelling, and celebration of life’s milestones
  • Helps preserve local traditions and build unity among women in the community.