Introduction
Ghumura Dance is a traditional drum and folk performance tradition strongly associated with Kalahandi and Western Odisha. The instrument has a distinctive pot-like shape, traditionally made from clay, with a stretched leather covering on one side. It produces a deep, strong beat that can be heard clearly during large gatherings and cultural celebrations. Over time, Ghumura became closely connected with local festivals, folk performances and community traditions, and its powerful rhythm is especially noticeable during Chhatar Jatra in Bhawanipatna.
The Story Behind Ghumura: History and the Rhythm of Kalahandi
Ghumura is one of the most recognised traditional folk dance and musical traditions of Kalahandi, Odisha. Its powerful rhythm, distinctive instrument and traditional style have made it an important part of the cultural identity of the region.
The exact origin of Ghumura is surrounded by a combination of historical references, traditional beliefs and local myths. While its traditional dress and performance style are often associated with folk and tribal culture, some researchers and cultural observers have also pointed towards similarities between its mudras and movements and elements found in other Indian classical dance traditions. This has made Ghumura an interesting subject of cultural discussion over the years.
Ghumura in History and Local Tradition
The history of Ghumura goes beyond a single origin story. Different myths, literary references and oral traditions have contributed to the way people understand its beginning.
In 1954, poet Shivam Bhasin Panda wrote Ghumura Janma Bidhan, presenting a traditional account connected with the origin of Ghumura. Other writers, including Nandini Bhasin and Gaganeswar, have also recorded stories surrounding its origin. According to one such tradition, Chandra Dhwoja was associated with the establishment of the dance, which was later connected with the legendary demon Karttabirya Asura.
These stories are part of the cultural memory surrounding Ghumura, showing how generations have preserved its history through literature, storytelling and local belief.
Ghumura and the Stories of War
One of the most fascinating aspects of Ghumura is its traditional connection with war music, or Rana-Badya.According to certain mythological traditions associated with the Chandi Puran, when Goddess Durga prepared to fight Mahishasura, the gods and goddesses contributed their weapons, instruments and other divine elements. One traditional account connects the Ghumura instrument with a combination of elements associated with Lord Shiva’s Dambaru and Goddess Saraswati’s Veena.
References to Ghumura also appear in traditional interpretations of the Mahabharata. In the Sarala Mahabharata, Ghumura is associated with Rana-Badya, or music used in the context of war. Some traditions further connect it with the story of Gosingh Daitya and the ancient region identified by some people with present-day Junagarh in Kalahandi.
These accounts should be understood as part of the mythological and literary traditions surrounding Ghumura, rather than as a single historically proven origin.
The Ravana and Lankeswari Connection
Another fascinating local tradition connects Ghumura with Ravana, the legendary king of Lanka, and with the worship of Goddess Lankeswari.
According to this belief, Ghumura was once associated with the war music of Ravana. After the destruction of Lanka and Ravana’s death, the tradition says that Goddess Lankeswari left Lanka and eventually came to Jenabali-Patana, which is traditionally identified with present-day Junagarh in Kalahandi.Today, Lankeswari worship remains an important part of the cultural traditions of the region. This story adds another layer to the rich collection of beliefs surrounding the origin and journey of Ghumura.
The Story of Nishan and Tala
Ghumura’s traditional musical world also includes instruments such as Nishan and Tala, each carrying its own stories.According to traditional accounts, Nishan was created using iron associated with Bindhya Giri and covered with the skin of a dead cow before being consecrated through traditional rituals. The story connects its name with Gaurab Gandharb and Urbasi.Similarly, Tala is traditionally believed to have been created by Kashyapa Rishi. In some cultural interpretations, Nishan and Tala are also considered symbolic representations connected with Radha and Krishna.
Whether understood through mythology, oral tradition or cultural history, these stories show that Ghumura is not simply about one drum or one dance. It belongs to a much wider traditional musical culture of Kalahandi.
A Tradition Where History and Myth Meet
Perhaps what makes Ghumura truly special is the way history, mythology, music and community tradition come together around it.Some parts of its story come from literary references and historical interpretations, while others have been preserved through myths, oral traditions and local beliefs. Together, they have shaped the cultural identity of Ghumura over generations.Today, when the powerful beat of Ghumura fills the streets during Chhatar Jatra, it carries more than rhythm. It carries stories of warriors, gods, traditions, devotion and Kalahandi’s cultural memory.
That is what makes Ghumura more than a folk dance—it is a living tradition that continues to tell the story of a region and its people.
How Ghumura Performers Dress?
Ghumura performances have a strong traditional look that reflects the folk and tribal culture of Kalahandi. Along with the Ghumura Nisan, tasaa and Ghudka, performers may wear traditional Sambalpuri-style shirts, dhotis and colourful headgear, often decorated with bird feathers. In some traditional performances, elements such as animal horns, bones and symbolic weapons are also seen as part of the cultural display. These elements reflect the region’s old tribal traditions, strength and connection with nature, while also showing respect for Maa Manikeswari. The complete look, together with the powerful sound of the instruments, traditional dress and energetic movements, gives a Ghumura performance its distinctive cultural identity.
Why Ghumura Is Performed?
Ghumura is performed as a way of showing devotion and paying tribute to Maa Manikeswari during important traditional celebrations, especially Chhatar Jatra. Its powerful rhythm becomes part of the celebration and reflects the deep faith of the people of Kalahandi. At the same time, Ghumura is an important part of the region’s cultural heritage. Performing it keeps the old traditions alive and helps pass them from one generation to the next. In this way, every performance is not only a tribute to Maa Manikeswari, but also a way of protecting and keeping Kalahandi’s culture and identity alive.
How Ghumura Is Linked with Maa Manikeswari and Chhatar Jatra?
Ghumura has a deep connection with the traditions of Maa Manikeswari and the grand Chhatar Jatra of Bhawanipatna. During the festival, the powerful beat of Ghumura becomes an important part of the atmosphere as devotees gather for the sacred procession of the Chhatar. The sound of the drum, along with traditional performances, adds energy to the celebration and reflects the long cultural traditions of Kalahandi. For the local people, Ghumura is more than music played during a festival. It has become part of the way the community expresses devotion, tradition and respect for Maa Manikeswari. As the Chhatar Jatra brings people together, the familiar rhythm of Ghumura connects the present celebration with a tradition that has been carried through generations.
The Grand Tradition of Chhatar Jatra
Chhatar Jatra is one of the most important traditional celebrations of Kalahandi, held in Bhawanipatna in honour of Maa Manikeswari. The festival brings together thousands of devotees, traditional performers and local communities in an atmosphere filled with faith, music and celebration. At the centre of the event is the sacred Chhatar, which is taken through the town as part of the traditional procession. The sound of Ghumura, along with other traditional music, adds a powerful rhythm to the gathering. For the people of Kalahandi, Chhatar Jatra is not simply a festival to watch. It is a tradition deeply connected with faith, community and cultural identity, carried forward through generations.
The Sacred Chhatar and Maa Manikeswari
The Chhatar holds a central place in the Chhatar Jatra and is closely connected with the worship of Maa Manikeswari. The traditional procession brings devotees together in an atmosphere of deep faith and devotion. As the sacred Chhatar moves through the streets of Bhawanipatna, Ghumura beats, traditional performances and the gathering of people become part of the celebration. For generations, this tradition has been a way for the people of Kalahandi to express their faith in Maa Manikeswari while keeping their local customs and cultural identity alive.
Ghumura Dance During the Grand Procession
During Chhatar Jatra, the sound of Ghumura becomes one of the most noticeable parts of the celebration. Its deep and powerful beat moves with the procession, creating a strong sense of energy among the people gathered there. The performers, dressed in traditional attire, play the Ghumura with rhythm and movement as the sacred Chhatar makes its way through Bhawanipatna. For the performers and the local community, this is not simply a musical performance. It is a way of honouring Maa Manikeswari, taking part in an old tradition and keeping the cultural heritage of Kalahandi alive.
People, Devotion and Community
Chhatar Jatra is not only about the sacred procession or traditional performances. At its heart, it is about the people of Kalahandi and their deep connection with Maa Manikeswari. Families, devotees, artists and local communities come together to take part in a tradition that has been carried forward for generations.
For many people, being part of Chhatar Jatra is a matter of faith, emotion and belonging. The sound of Ghumura, the movement of the procession and the gathering of thousands of people create a unique atmosphere that cannot be separated from the cultural identity of Bhawanipatna.
The younger generation also plays an important role in keeping these traditions alive. By learning the music, dress, performance and customs from elders, they help carry this heritage into the future. In this way, Chhatar Jatra and Ghumura remain not only memories of the past, but a living tradition of Kalahandi.
Why This Tradition Still Matters Today
In a changing world, traditions like Ghumura and Chhatar Jatra remind people of where they come from. They connect the younger generation with their history, culture and community.
For Kalahandi, Ghumura is not just an old musical tradition. It is a living part of the region’s cultural identity. Every performance keeps its rhythm alive, while every generation that learns it helps carry the tradition forward.
Chhatar Jatra also shows how faith and culture can come together. The devotion to Maa Manikeswari, the sacred Chhatar, the sound of Ghumura and the participation of local people create a tradition that continues to have a strong place in the cultural life of Kalahandi.As long as people continue to perform, celebrate and pass on these traditions, the deep resonance of Ghumura will continue to be heard.
Conclusion
If you ever get a chance to be part of Chhatar Jatra 2026, make sure you visit Kalahandi and experience this unique festival for yourself. Take some time to witness the Ghumura dance, the powerful rhythms, the traditions and the devotion surrounding Maa Manikeswari.You never know—perhaps this experience will make you look at some things in life from a different perspective. Sometimes, a journey into someone else’s culture can make us understand our own life, roots and traditions a little better.
Thank you for reading this blog and taking a moment to explore the story of Ghumura and Chhatar Jatra.
Jai Maa Manikeswari. 🙏
