Padhar Manjira Ras
પઢાર મંજીરા રાસ | पड़ार मंजीरा रास | पडर मंजीरा रास | পদার মঞ্জিরা রাস | படார் மஞ்சிரா ராஸ் | పడార్ మంజీరా రాస్ | ಪಡಾರ್ ಮಂಜೀರಾ ರಾಸ್ | പടാർ മഞ്ജിറാ രാസ്
The Vibrant Rhythm of Padhar Manjira Ras
Originating from the Nalkaṭha region near the sacred Nal Sarovar lake, Padhar Manjira Ras is a mesmerizing folk dance deeply rooted in the traditional lifestyle of the Padhar community. This dance beautifully mirrors the daily lives of its people—fishermen and boatmen who ferry pilgrims across the holy lake and fish in its waters.
Cultural Essence & Symbolism
Unlike many dances performed by women, Padhar Manjira Ras is uniquely performed by men known as “Padharo.” Their dance expresses two moods:
- Manjira Ras: Celebrated during joyful, festive occasions with vibrant rhythms and spirited movements.
- Kansijoda Dance: Performed during times of sorrow, reflecting the community’s emotional depth.
The dance movements symbolically depict their everyday activities — rowing boats, catching fish, and ferrying pilgrims — with graceful gestures and mudras (hand signs) that resemble casting nets, steering boats, and handling fish.
Dance & Performance Style
- Dancers sit in a circle (golaakar), locking legs with one another, moving their hands and bodies rhythmically up and down, creating an impression of rowing a boat (halesa).
- They hold manjiras (small cymbals) in hands and feet, which create rhythmic jingles adding to the hypnotic beats
- The dance often includes poses similar to “shirshasan” (headstand) postures, showing their physical endurance and energy as they perform through the night.
- The vibrant energy of the dance is powered by live folk music, including instruments such as taro (string instrument), tabla, kansijoda (cymbals), and bagliyoo (a type of wind instrument).
Music & Instruments
The musical ensemble accompanying this dance is traditional and evocative:
- Taro: A string instrument that carries the melody.
- Tabla: Beats that regulate rhythm and tempo.
- Kansijoda: Cymbals producing jingling sounds synchronized with the manjiras held by dancers.
- Bagliyoo: A wind instrument adding soulful tunes.
Cultural Essence & Symbolism
Unlike many dances performed by women, Padhar Manjira Ras is uniquely performed by men known as “Padharo.” Their dance expresses two moods:
- Manjira Ras: Celebrated during joyful, festive occasions with vibrant rhythms and spirited movements.
- Kansijoda Dance: Performed during times of sorrow, reflecting the community’s emotional depth.
The dance movements symbolically depict their everyday activities — rowing boats, catching fish, and ferrying pilgrims — with graceful gestures and mudras (hand signs) that resemble casting nets, steering boats, and handling fish.
Community Bond & Festive Hospitality
Performing this dance is a mark of honor and social bonding. Hosts traditionally offer pure ghee and shar shar (a sweet delicacy) to the performers as a token of respect and gratitude. The dancers’ enthusiasm and stamina are admired, as they perform vigorous and prolonged routines, energizing the festive spirit.
Gallery & Videos
Book Padhar Manjira Ras for Your Event
Experience the raw, rhythmic energy of Padhar Manjira Ras at your cultural festivals, weddings, or corporate events!
✔️Authentic costumes and traditional instruments
✔️ Energetic group performances lasting 20–40 minutes
✔️ Ideal for cultural exhibitions, heritage festivals, and educational programs
Contacts
Address
GUJARAT LOKKALA FOUNDATION, 2 PROFESSORS COLONY, NAVRANGPURA, AHMEDABAD, GJ01, GJ, 380009
Phone
+91- 90160 31743
Mail ID
info@gujaratlokkala.org