Gindad Dance

Understand

Where Gindad Dance comes from

Gindad (sometimes spelled Geendad) is one of the named regional variations of Gair dance — a stick-and-sword circle dance of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan (the districts of Jhunjhunu, Sikar and Churu). The form shares the basic structure of Gair (men's circle with sticks) but has a distinctive Shekhawati style — different rhythmic patterns, costume and the use of small unbreakable swords. Gindad is performed at weddings, Holi and Janmashtami, and is one of the most recognised local dances of the Shekhawati Cultural Hub district. The form is closely related to the Dandi Gair of Marwar and to the broader Gair dance tradition of western Rajasthan.

How it's practiced

Gindad is performed by men, often in two concentric circles, each holding small sticks (khanda) and sometimes small swords. The dancers move in coordinated patterns to the rhythm of the dhol, striking their sticks together and against partners' sticks and swords. The tempo accelerates as the dance progresses. Costume is the colourful Shekhawati dress — the pleated Rajputi angarakha tunic (often with the heavy stitching of the Shekhawati style), dhoti and a turban. The form is a celebration of male camaraderie and is performed at weddings (particularly during the groom's procession), at Holi and at the regional melas of Shekhawati.