Dehradun, Nov 9: The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) showcased the vibrant and composite cultural heritage of the Union Territory through a series of captivating folk dance performances at the Himalaya Kala evam Sanskriti Utsav, organised by the Department of Culture, Government of Uttarakhand, to mark the 25th Foundation Day of Uttarakhand.

The audience at Dehradun was treated to a spectacular presentation of Jammu and Kashmir’s traditional folk dances, including Kashmiri Rouf, Dogri Jagarna and Gojri Dance, each reflecting a unique facet of the region’s cultural identity, social harmony and artistic expression.
The eternal beauty of Kashmir, bestowed with charismatic charm and blissful tranquillity, is deeply infused in the life and culture of its people. Known as an ancient and fertile centre of Shaivism, Sufism, wisdom and intellect, Kashmir is equally famous for its saffron, handicrafts, handlooms, apples, pashmina shawls, carpets and the breathtaking scenic beauty that has earned it the title of ‘Paradise on Earth’. Amidst its many cultural treasures, Rouf, the most famous folk and traditional dance of Kashmir, beautifully depicts the spirit of celebration. Performed during marriages, religious festivals and social gatherings, Rouf embodies rhythmic grace and poetic movement. The intricate yet smooth footwork of the dancers, who sway gracefully in rows like waves of water, dressed in colourful, hand-embroidered Phirans, creates a mesmerising visual experience that fills both performers and spectators with joy and festivity.
Equally captivating was the Dogri Jagarna Dance from the Jammu region, a land that stands as a synonym of peace, coexistence, valour and devotion. Also known as the City of Temples, Jammu is famous for its miniature paintings, Bhaakh singing and other artistic expressions. The region’s rich traditions were beautifully reflected through the Jagarna, one of its most popular folk dances. It expresses joy, celebration and feminine camaraderie, performed by women when men have gone to bring home the bride. The dance features playful teasing, laughter and lively movements to the rhythm of Boliyan and Dholak in the quiet hours of the night, as women prepare to welcome the newlyweds with happiness and blessings. Beyond its entertainment value, Jagarna also carries deep wisdom, passing cultural values and folk humour from one generation to another.
The presentation also included the lively and soulful Gojri Dance representing the nomadic Gujjar community of Jammu and Kashmir. The Gujjars, known for their simplicity, warmth and hard work, migrate seasonally with their cattle between the plains and the mountains, forming an inseparable bond with nature. Their deep connection with the forests, pastures and hills finds expression in their cultural traditions. The popular Gojri dance ‘Koonjadiye’ portrays an imaginative conversation between a Gujjar woman and a wild bird of the hills, where she requests the bird to fly over the mountains to find her soulmate. The dance reflects tenderness, longing and the musical rhythm of pastoral life in the highlands.
The entire presentation, comprising Kashmiri Rouf, Dogri Jagarna and Gojri Dances, was beautifully performed by the eminent Jammu-based cultural group Natya Rang. The team of dedicated artists was led by Shri Sanjeev Gupta, Special Officer for Cultural Activities, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, whose guidance and coordination ensured the presentation’s artistic excellence.
The talented artists who participated in the presentation included Dewankshi Sabikhi, Kashish Salaria, Vanshika, Rupali Malhotra, Shivani Dharma, Bhoomi Arora, Bhoomi Chadda, Meenakshi Bhandhari, Saniya Sharma, Taniya Rajput, Jyoti Devi, Pallvi Manhas, Lakshmi, Monika Devi, Riya Goswami, Simran Dharma, Deepakshi Sharma, Sakshi Sharma, Neha Devi and Ritika Sharma.
The group’s graceful performances and authentic representation of the diverse folk traditions of Jammu and Kashmir were widely appreciated by the audience at the Himalaya Kala evam Sanskriti Utsav in Dehradun.
The participation of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in this prestigious event not only highlighted the region’s rich artistic legacy but also strengthened cultural bonds between the Himalayan states, reaffirming India’s unity in diversity through art and performance.