Originating from the rural and colorful areas of Baluchistan and Multan, Jhoomar is a distinct and colorful form of Dance recitation in Punjab. The Sandalbars of Pakistan are also aware of this classical dance. The dance is known for its slow yet ecstatic rhythm. The etymology of Jhoomar reaches back to the word Jhum/Jhoom literally meaning swaying. The very song and dance reminds one of that. The songs have varied content and lyrics but majorly incorporate the spirit of love and romance and remain to be an ecstatic dance. Usually enacted at festivals and weddings, Jhoomar vividly describes the ecstasy. Usually patronized by the people of Baluchistan and inhabitants of the southern Punjab in the land of Pakistan, the Dance of Jhoomar is usually performed with ecstasy and fervor. The several day to day activities of the human with the animals are often the subject of these performances. The emotion of these songs is exhibited in its circular motions.

Dancing Style

Usually restricted to the performance of the men in the family, it won’t be surprising at times to see several generations of men swaying in these ecstatic forms. The dance is devoid of the acrobats in usual dance forms. The southern areas of Punjab have several variants of the same. Having said that, the main element to notice is the rhythmic movements of arms. The feet are again tuned to the rhythm of the beats and the body of the dancers also exhibits the emotions and contents of the songs. The tireless dance of the people is often continued in the wee hours of the night and the dancers sway in ecstasy as viewers look on with awe. To add to the brilliance of the dance, the dancers pronounce several syllables.  The eastern areas of Punjab have also incorporated this in their traditional Bhangra.

Types of Jhumar Dance

The Jhoomar also has several forms and design with each one contrasting each other. The several variations of this dance forms include.

• Sutlej Jhoomar
• Beas Jhoomar
• Chenab Jhoomar
• Multani Jhoomar
• Jhoomar Taari

Famous Jhumar Dancers

Although a major section of the performers of this art have been lost at the time partition of country, but Shri Pokhar Singh (1916-2002) kept it alive by training himself under his family’s guidance and performed the art ever since. His devotion towards the dance form encouraged him to pursue and teach the dance forms in D.A.V. College of Jalalabad.