Kud, Heren, Fumenie and Jagarana, Bakh/Gwatri/Kark/Masade, Gwatri, Karak, Benthe -- Cultural Heritage of Jammu Region in Jammu and Kashmir

Kud, Heren, Fumenie and Jagarana, Bakh/Gwatri/Kark/Masade, Gwatri, Karak, Benthe -- Cultural Heritage of Jammu Region in Jammu and Kashmir

a) Kud

It is basically a ritual dance performed in honour of Lok Devatas. This dance style is performed mostly during nights. It is spontaneous dance and people of all ages and sexes participate in this folk dance form. Instruments used during this dance are Narshingha, chhaina, flute, drums etc. It is the rhythm of music which contrils the movement of participants. This dance continues for the whole night. Number of participants ranges from 20 to 30 members.

b) Heren

It is a traditional theatre form performed during Lohri festival by 10-15 members. This style is mostly performed in hilly regions of Jammu.

c) Fumenie and Jagarana

This dance style is performed by the ladies on the eve of groom's departure to inlaws house. Both the songs are sung by a group of females consisting 15-20 members. This traditional dance form depicts the feelings and emotions of women folk.

d) Bakh/Gwatri/Kark/Masade

It is a chorous narrative singing sung by a group of 10 singers without the accompaniment of any musical instruments.

e) Gwatri

It is a singing/ dance combined tradition in which the singers narrate some text which is enacted by the Gwatari dancers.

f) Karak

It is a tale ballet singing form sung by a community called 'Jogies'. They narrate a popular folk tale in their dance style, performed by three members with accompaniement of typical folk instrument called 'Rabab'.

g) Benthe

This is chorous singing tradition performed specific community of trible called Gujjar and Bakerwal. Dance is performed by 5-7 members.