Centuries-old Ghumura dance struggles for survival

Kendrapada: In the tribal heartland of Jajpur district, a centuries-old dance form is fighting for survival. Ghumura dance, once the cultural lifeline of villages in Sukinda and Danagadi blocks, is now struggling to maintain its relevance in the digital age.
"The situation is difficult these days with the advent of television, cellphones and internet," said Pitabasa Dehuri (78), a veteran Ghumura dancer from Chingudipal village. "What was once the medium of rural entertainment on festive occasions is now on its deathbed."
The dance, characterised by its unique earthen pot drum covered with lizard skin membrane, traditionally features six women performers moving to the rhythmic beats of six male drummers. While performers still command fees of around Rs 12,000 per show, opportunities are increasingly rare.
The number of practitioners has halved over the past decade, with only 50 tribal performers remaining in the area. "Many have switched to other trades as the income is too little to make ends meet," said Balabhadra Dehuri (60), from Dhabahali village.
Peak season for the performances spans from Raksha Bandhan to Ram Navami, with occasional shows at weddings and religious festivals. However, the younger generation show little interest in preserving the cultural heritage.
"It's a tragedy that our new generation lacks interest in Ghumura naach," said Raghu Dehuri (65), from Rangamatia village. "Urbanisation and official apathy are pushing the ancient art form towards extinction."
The district administration has implemented support measures through the Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana (MKSY), providing monthly pension of Rs 2,000 to artists and Rs 2,500 to those above 80 years. "We also create performance opportunities at govt functions," said Sonali Behera, district culture officer.
However, for cultural preservationists like Haris Chandra Prusti, a retired college principal, these efforts may not be enough. "Ghumura naach symbolises our tradition, religion and culture," he said. "Its potential disappearance from our district is frightening to contemplate."