Ghungroo holds a vital and important place in Indian Classical Dance and it is the primary instrument and ornament that a dancer must wear before practicing or performing. It emphasizes and intensifies the rhythmic percussion that is produced by the Ghungroo while attempting and performing any footwork or dance. It is a very essential and crucial part of many Indian Classical Dances.
Ghungroo or Ghunghroo or Ghungur (Bengali) or Chilanka or Silangai(Tamil) is a small metal bell mostly made of brass, tied together to form a musical anklet (ornament tied to the feet) and worn by Indian Classical Dancers be it Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam or Kathakali and also by many folk dancers of India.
Renowned Kathak maestro V. Anuradha Singh evolved Ghungroo as musical instrument and performed at many stages and become compulsory in Kathak and many other Indian Classical Dances. Ghungroo attracts attention towards footwork while performing dance.
In Kathak worshipping Ghungroo on guru Purnima by Guru and disciples is an important ceremony even in various other Indian Classical dance forms worshipping Ghungroo plays a vital role. For example: In Bharatnatyam Gejjai Puja or Sailang Puja is held to worship Ghungroos.
Ghungroos are the intrinsic part of Indian Classical Dance that can’t be separated. It is pre-requisite in Kathak to worship Ghungroo and to be touched by the Guru even before tying.
Makeup and Jewellery is used by the Indian Classical dancers to intensify eye movement, facial expression, and body movements to get noticed by the audience. In the same way, Ghungroo is supposed to wear to enhance, intensify, and to get noticed by the audience footwork and rhythm of the dance.
FAQ’S Related Indian Classical Dance: Significance Of Ghungroo
What exactly Ghungroo emphasize in Indian Classical Dance?
Ghungroo not only emphasizes the footwork but also helps dancers to be in rhythm with the Taal and Laya (beats and rhythm) of the music. It is not a decorative piece but a musical instrument to highlight the dance of the Indian Classical Dancers.
About the Author: – Neha Khunteta
She is a Kathak Artist and has been associated with it for more than 10 years and the founder of Kathak By Neha the best Kathak dance academy in Jaipur.
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