Importance of Ghungroo

Have you ever wondered why Kathak dancers wear bells on their ankles? Ghungroo are so much more than an ornament or costume accessory, as well as being a musical instrument in their own right, they also hold huge historical, cultural and spiritual significance. In this blog we will deep dive into the importance and use of these ancient instruments in Kathak.

What are ghungroo?
Ghungroos are small ankle bells characteristic of Indian classical dance forms such as Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Mohiniyattam. They are also common in Lavani, a style of folk-dance originating from the north Indian state of Maharashtra.

How the ghungroo are fastened above the dancer’s ankle varies depending on the dance form. For example, in Kathak, the bells are braided into a long cord which is then tied around the dancer’s leg, resting directly above the ankle bone. In contrast, in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, the ghungroo come stitched onto colourful straps or belts. The bells are usually made from brass, preferred for its clear and bright tone.

Ghungroo are a musical instrument that is worn and played by the footwork and movements of the dancer. These percussive bells both amplify and enhance the rhythmic footwork or tatkaar, which is such an integral part of Kathak. The Natyashastra (perhaps the most authoritative ancient Indian text on performing arts) describe ghungroo as essential tools; pivotal in bringing together the visual and auditory elements of dance into a complete sensory experience for audiences.

The dancer’s relationship to their ghungroo
For those practising Kathak, ghungroo are a symbol of their respect, commitment and connection towards the artform and its spiritual roots. Consequently, the act of tying the ghungroo is considered sacred and providing meditative moment for the dancer to rededicate themselves to the artform and their own journey of self-expression.

Ghungroo are also considered a median to attract good vibrations and repel negative energy. Dancers honour the sanctity of ghungroo by connecting with them each time before use, practicing mindfulness by feeling the weight and shape of the bells. By holding the ghungroo close to the chest, their energy can be felt and channelled.

Receiving one’s ghungroo for the first time is a significant milestone in a student’s training. Traditionally, the ghungroo are only awarded once the student can create the tapping sound with their feet which requires dedicated practise and time to achieve. Shishya (students or disciples) receive their ghungroo from their gurus (teachers) in a tradition which goes back hundreds of years and symbolises the passing down of heritage, knowledge and responsibility.

Dancing with ghungroo is not easy, mainly due the added weight, which is why students typically begin with only 25 bells per leg. As they progress, this number increases in accordance with the individual’s skills, stamina and ability to control the foot. Experienced dancers may wear up to 150 ghungroo per leg. Consistent riyaaz (practice) with ghungroo heightens self-awareness as each step is marked with a sound, meaning dancers can recognise any mistakes and improve. This increased consciousness helps dancers take their dance practice to the next level: refining technique, precision and posture and deepening their musical understanding.

Ghungroos deepen a dancer’s understanding and appreciation of their own movements and abilities and eventually become a part of the dancer, connecting them not only with their artform and the music, but also with themselves.

How to care for ghungroo
Given the sacred importance of ghungroo to the artform, they should always be treated and cared for with the upmost respect, as you would a precious musical instrument. When not in use, dancers should never throw their ghungroo or leave them on the floor; rather they should be put on a high surface and stored safely in a fabric bag in a cool, dry environment.

Occasionally, a deep clean is recommended to polish the bells by using a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda. This restores the shine and removes any dust or tarnish that has formed during practice, classes or performance.

Regular use of the ghungroo can also cause fraying or wear to the cord, so dancers are advised to regularly check the cord is intact and secure and fix any damage to prevent accidental breakage while dancing. Dancers are also advised to regularly unravel and realign the ghungroo to ensure the perfect resonance of the bells, particularly before a performance.

Ghungroo in Kathak performance
Gungroo are significant in Kathak for their rhythmic and expressive qualities. Across all Indian classical dance forms, the rhythm of a composition assists with the storytelling, contributing to evoking emotion and intensity. Ghungroo are an instrument through which joy, anger, sadness and other emotions are communicated. Their essential role in expression stems from the ability to create a range of moods through footwork. For example, fast and vigorous sequences, with ghungroo ringing loudly, can convey excitement and joy. In contrast, slow and gentle sequences, where the sound is soft, can depict sadness or feelings of melancholy. This all adds to the Rasa of a performance, which is the profound pleasure created by a connection established between the performer and audiences as the dancer expresses the essence of universal sentiments.

The practical value of ghungroo is just as important as the emotional, with their use enabling complex and elaborate patterns to be clearly heard, interpreted and appreciated by audiences. The speed and force of movement dictate the sound and the associated emotion. For instance, slower movements produce distinct notes, allowing the listener to concentrate on and appreciate the rhythm, whereas faster footwork naturally produces continuous, quick sound. Dancers will often also use different areas of their feet to produce varied sounds with the ghungroo.

The melodious sound of the ghungroos is integral to creating a live percussive experience. They act as a metronome for the dancer, allowing synchronisation of their movements with the tabla and other accompanying instruments, demonstrating the close connection of music and dance.

Interested to find out more? Sonia Sabri MBE shares practical guidance and insight on ghungroos in our brand-new series of online tutorials on
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Photo credit - Reel Master Productions