Kud Dance of Jammu and Kashmir at Amar Mahal Palace | Dheku Dance | Dogri Dance | Bhaderwahi Dance

Artists performing 'Kud' dance of Jammu region (INDIA) at Amar Mahal Palace (Hari Niwas Palace) in Jammu, India. The Kud dance is one of the most famous dance forms in Hilly regions of Jammu like Bhaderwah , Reasi , Ramban , Kathua , Udhampur , Bani , Basholi , Doda , Kishtwar , Poonch , Rajouri and some parts of Himachal Pradesh as well. Kud dance is of much importance in Bhaderwah region. It is also known as Dheku dance in Bhaderwah, Jammu. Kud in Bhaderwahi means " group festival " or " mela " in hindi where a large number of people gather and dance together to please the local deities... Though, originally the dance is known as "Dheku" but after being popularised in the whole Jammu region, it has got the name of "Kud" dance.... The dance exhibits swaying & rhythmic movements.This is a kind of thanksgiving ritual performed mostly during nights. As characteristic of all folk dances, spontaneity is also a feature of this dance. People of all ages and sexes participate in this dance form which involves use of musical instruments like Narshingha, Chhaina, Flute and Drums ( locally called "dhouns" ). It is the rhythm of music that directs the movement of all participants. Mostly during the harvest season, this dance is performed. When the maize and other local crops are harvested, the villagers gather and come down from the nearby hills in the vicinity of their local deity- The Gramdevta temple. Their feeling behind these rituals is to express their gratitude for protecting their crops, cattle and children from any natural calamities. So, mostly who participate in this dance are farmers. Men, women and children; attired in their best dresses gather around a bonfire for the night long festivities ( Kod/Kud ). Sometimes, this dance continues for the whole night. Total number of participants dancing generally range from 20 to 30 but as such there is no limit who can ( the more, the better ). The dance is performed in concentric circles depending on the space and number of those participating. This video was shot and edited by ANIRUDH THAKUR INSTAGRAM -@anirudh__thakur   / anirudh__thakur   FACEBOOK -   / anirudhthakurworld