Themes
tribal dance
MANGHO DANCE ATTIRE, jammu & kashmir
The Mangho Dance, where that attire specifies the culture and very much portrays the life of the Greenlanders from their surroundings. Males have on loose-fitting clothes and wear turbans, females wear multihued flowing dresses and dazzle up with precious silver jewelry, whether in the form of necklaces, earrings, or bangles. Usually, the ornaments are hand-made and intricately decorated forms, representing richness and beauty. It makes the costumes colorful and cultural to dance and value the uniqueness of the tribe against all odds in a lively mood.
The Mangho Dance is one of the dances played by the Bakarwal tribe in Jammu & Kashmir. It portrays images of oneness, joy, and bonding with nature. It is played majorly at specific events, demarcating the time for gathering as a community, during celebrations, or with the changes of seasons. Its energetic strides and rhythmic harmonization signify harmony in the tribe and gratitude as well as admiration for nature. The dance is a major factor in preserving tribal identity and cultural heritage.
The Bakarwal tribe, who live in the hilly regions of Jammu & Kashmir, are pastoral nomads who traditionally graze animals like sheep and goats. Theirs is a life of seasonal migration, spending summers in high-altitude grazing grounds and winters in lower valleys. Resilient by nature, the Bakarwals have a strong affinity to their traditional ways of life, such as traditional dance forms like the Mangho Dance, which speaks volumes about their passion for nature, community bonding, and shared heritage.
Music is a core element of the Mangho Dance, as a combination of folk rhythmic tunes and melodic lyrics frames the performance. The music, in most cases, incorporates traditional songs that recite folk tales, tribal history, and the day-to-day life of the people. The melodies motivate the dance movements, making the activity interesting for the participants and audience alike. Music not only serves as entertainment but also as a form of narrative, keeping the history and ethics of the tribe alive through generations.
Mangho Dance instruments are classic to the Bakarwal people, with dhol (big drum) holding a pivotal place in generating strong rhythm. Some percussion instruments and sometimes wind instruments are employed in order to imbue the song with depth. The ensemble gives a distinct landscape of sound, which is echoed by the Bakarwals' highland habitat. The instrumental accompaniment adds power and vitality to the dance, engaging dancers and onlookers in the tribal atmosphere.