Kumhal Dance

Understand

Where Kumhal Dance comes from

Kumhal dance is the celebration tradition of the Kumhar (potter) caste of Rajasthan, performed at the Badrana Mela and similar potter-community festivals. The Kumhars are one of the most widespread artisan castes of north India and form a significant section of Rajasthan's villages. Their dance tradition is a celebration of the potter's craft — the central symbol of the dance is the potter's wheel (chak) and the freshly-thrown pot (matka), which the lead dancer activates while the community sings and offers clay. The dance is performed at weddings and at the Badrana Mela held annually at Badrana village in Nagaur district, one of the largest gatherings of Kumhars in Rajasthan.

How it's practiced

Kumhal is performed by the potter community in a village setting. A lead dancer (the potter) operates the potter's wheel, throwing pots while the women of the community surround him and sing the Kumhal song. The dance is celebratory rather than choreographed — slow swaying and offering of clay to the wheel. The dance is performed at weddings and at the Badrana Mela (held annually at Badrana village in Nagaur district). Costume is the everyday Kumhar community dress — dhoti and kurta for men, sari for women — ornamented with the silver jewellery of the community. Music is provided by the songs of the women, with the dhol and the harmonium accompanying.