Ghoomar in top 10 list of world's most amazing local dances

Ghoomar, a folk dance of Rajasthan, has found its way into the list of world's most amazing local dances after an international travel website ranked it fourth on the list.

According to website www.cheapflights.com, the folk dance is not only a display of rhythmic talent, but "its graceful performance in conjunction with twirling of colourful and long-flowing skirts also elevates its aesthetic appeal".

The website has ranked Hawaii's Hula dance at number one, while Japan's Bon Odori dance at number two. Ireland's Irish Stepdance has secured the third place and India's Ghoomar has been ranked fourth as the most amazing local dance.

In recent times, Ghoomar was popularised by music company Veena, based in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

"We are really happy that Ghoomar has been ranked as one of the top dances. We at Veena came up with the first Ghoomar album in 1999. The popularity of the folk music soon spread," said K.C. Malu, chairman of the music company.

"We brought out a series of Ghoomar albums and it sold like hot cakes. It became popular even among non-resident Indians (NRIs) living in several other countries also."

Ghoomar is believed to have derived its name from the word Ghoomna (spinning around or pirouetting).

Describing the dance form, the website said the dancers are veiled women spinning around the room, occasionally snapping or clapping and both men and women are expected to sing together.

"Like so many folk dances, Ghoomar is usually performed during special occasions to worship religious deities," the website said.