Ghoomar is one of Rajasthan’s most graceful folk dances, admired for its circular movements and elegance. Performed by women in flowing ghagras and veils, it expresses joy, devotion, and a strong sense of community. The Ghoomar Festival celebrates this time-honoured tradition, bringing together dancers, musicians, and audiences who cherish the artistry of this region. The name Ghoomar comes from the word ghoomna, meaning to spin, which perfectly describes the turning motion that defines the dance.
Traditionally performed during weddings and festive occasions, Ghoomar represents both harmony and celebration. It began as a tribal dance of the Bhil community and later found its way into the royal courts of Rajasthan, becoming a mark of festivity and beauty. The sight of dancers moving together to the sound of folk instruments captures the essence of Rajasthan’s artistic soul.
History of Ghoomar
The origins of Ghoomar lie in the Bhil tribe, where it was first performed as a gesture of welcome and devotion. Over time, it was embraced by the Rajput community and transformed into a courtly art form that depicted the grace of noble life. Women performed it during grand occasions, their turning movements symbolising happiness and prosperity.
In its early days, Ghoomar was performed around an oil lamp, a symbol of light and good fortune. Each movement was accompanied by songs that shared tales of courage, affection, and tradition. The dance was never formally taught; it was learned through participation and passed naturally from one generation to the next.
The attire plays a vital part in Ghoomar’s beauty. Dancers wear ghagras and odhnis decorated with embroidery and mirror work, while the sound of bangles adds to the music created by instruments such as the dhol and sarangi. Together they form a living portrait of Rajasthan’s craftsmanship and artistry.
Significance of Ghoomar Festival
The Ghoomar Festival in Jaipur celebrates more than performance — it is a cultural festival of Rajasthan that celebrates continuity, creativity, and community. It brings together people from across the state to honour an art form that continues to define Rajasthan’s identity.
The circular movement represents the completeness of life, while the gathering of women shows the strength of connection within families and neighbourhoods. It is this sense of shared participation that keeps the tradition alive.
The festival also honours the women who have preserved the art through care and commitment. Their songs and steps carry centuries of recollection, allowing Ghoomar to remain both elegant and relevant in the present.
Where to See It in Jaipur
The Ghoomar Festival in Jaipur 2025 will take place on 19 November 2025 at the Polo Ground and Bhawani Niketan College Ground. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Rajasthan, it will be the first event dedicated solely to this traditional dance.
The festival will include folk performances, cultural showcases, and appearances by artists from across the state. It will also highlight the role of women in sustaining Rajasthan’s creative legacy. Visitors can expect an evening of storytelling, music, and movement that celebrates the living heritage of the region.
For travellers, this festival offers an opportunity to experience Rajasthan at its most genuine. It is not about spectacle but about connection and understanding a culture through its expressions of grace, artistry, and oneness.
Cultural Perseverance
Rajasthan’s traditions have survived because they adapt without losing their essence. Ghoomar is a clear example of that perseverance. The same dance that once belonged to royal courts is now taught in local schools and performed at community gatherings and various regional festivals. Its resilience lies in its continued belonging to everyone, not conserved behind glass but lived and passed on. Watching it is less about spectacle and more about understanding how culture here grows while staying rooted.
Dera Mandawa: Heritage Hotel in Jaipur Where Culture Welcomes You
At Dera Mandawa, we open our courtyards to guests who wish to experience this time-honoured art amid candlelight and traditional songs. For us, it is a way to share what we value most: warmth, connection, and the beauty of this city’s living culture.
If you wish to see another side of the city, our feature on
Hidden Places in Jaipur uncovers lesser-known spaces that carry the same sense of grace, history, and depth that define The Pink City’s timeless appeal.
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