Dhamal Dance, Haryana

Dhamal is a folk dance form in Haryana whose origin is rooted back to the days of the Mahabharat. The Dhamal dance is famous in the Gurgaon area, which is inhabited by Ahirs. Men perform this dance outdoors only on moonlit nights of Phalgun month. They sing and dance with the sound of the Dhamal beats. It is said that the people perform this dance whenever their crop is ready for the purpose of the harvest. In the course of action, the men participants form a semi-circle and bow down to the ground to pray for the blessings of Lord Ganesh, the Goddess Bhavani and the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. 

In the beginning of the dance, the player gives the first long note, with a long pleasant tune of 'Been' and then then musical instruments like Dhol, Tasha, Nagara, pick up the beat after which, the dance begins. Some of the dancers carry large Daphs in their hands, which are edged with frills of bright colour fabric to give music. Others carry sticks in their hand, which are wrapped with tinsel and tassels at both ends and are called shuntis. This dressing style is unique which suits movements of this dance completely.