Jatar (Jaatar)

Understand

Where Jatar (Jaatar) comes from

Jatar (also written Jaatar) is the pilgrimage-fair tradition of Himachal Pradesh, performed by the communities of the Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, Kangra and Bilaspur districts at the major temple Jatars of the region. The Jatars are the annual fairs of the regional temples (particularly the Hidimba Devi temple of Manali, the Bhimakali temple of Sarahan, the Naina Devi temple of Bilaspur and the Chintpurni temple of Una) and form the principal annual celebration of the district. The dance at the Jatar combines the social-folk-dance tradition (Nati, Kayang) with the religious-celebratory dance of the festival. The Jatar is one of the most important religious-cum-cultural events of Himachal Pradesh and is regularly performed at the state cultural programmes.

How it's practiced

Jatar dance is performed by men and women of the community at the courtyard of the temple during the annual Jatar fair. The dance is a celebration of the regional festival — combining the small clapping-step of the Nati and the local folk-dance elements. Music is the dhol, the shehnai, the nagara and the brass cymbals of the regional festival ensemble. Costume is the everyday Pahari dress — the dhoti and the kurta for the men, the ghagra-kurti and the colourful cap for the women. Performances are at the temple courtyard of the Jatar and at the procession of the festival.