Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 14: Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Ministry of External Affairs Government of India with the support of J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages and IIIM Jammu presented a programme of the dances of Jammu & Kashmir here this evening at IIIM Auditorium.
The highlight of the programme was Kashmiri dances which the performers are seeking to revive with lot of research, professionalism and authenticity. The most noteworthy attraction was the use of colors, costumes, jewellery and the original rhythms coinciding with ethnic moves and movements.
One such example was “Bacch Nagama” which is also known as ‘adolescent melodious voice. The dance is quite famous among people in Kashmir and is an important cultural event during marriage ceremonies or any cultural celebrations. Backed with live singing in a chorus style to the accompaniment of traditional Rabab, Nut, and Tumbaknaari, this narrative dance has its roots in central Asia.
Traditionally it used to be performed by only women folk but once sensing its being sensual, the then King in late 30s banned the performance of this dance. Interestingly it was in such a high demand and it’s popularity forced the artistic community to replace young boys in place of female performers. This is how this popular narrative dance travelled it’s artistic journey from ‘Hafiz Nagma to Bach Nagama.
Bach Nagma was followed by ‘Rouf’ which is yet another popular singing and dancing form of Kashmir. Having its origin in ‘Wanvun’ this dance form is practiced on festive occasions like Eid and Ramzan days.
Charged with the highly electrifying presentations, the enthusiastic audience overwhelmingly cheered Ladakhi, Gojri, Pahari and Bhaderwahi dances.
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