Folk Dance Sword Ras and Rouf Deliver Messages of Sacrifice and Prosperity
Udaipur: At the Shilpgram Festival on Saturday, the open-air stage saw two folk dances, Kashmir's Rouf and Gujarat's Sword Ras, not only displaying their unique identity but also leaving a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of the audience.
**Sword Ras**
Although the term "Ras" in this dance refers to "Raas," it actually symbolizes "Veer Ras" (the essence of bravery). This dance is a tribute to the sacrifices of revolutionaries who fought against the British. It is believed that a warrior named Manek, from the foothills of Bado Mountain near Porbandar, initiated a rebellion against the British. With a small group of brave soldiers, he fought the British and emerged victorious. His skill in using swords and shields forced the British to surrender. This battle took place in 1591 at Bhuchar Mori. To honor the bravery of the Rajput martyrs in that war, a folk dance is performed with swords and shields, known as the Sword Ras. In this dance, ten dancers demonstrate their martial skills. The dancers wear traditional attire, including *kediyas* (long skirts), *mehr pagris* (headgear), *khes* (shawl), and carry swords and shields.
**Rouf – "Bumro Bumro Shyam Rang Bumro"**
The hit Bollywood song "Bumro Bumro Shyam Rang Bumro" has made the Rouf dance very popular. Team leader Gulzar Ahmed Bhat explains, "Rouf is a folk dance performed on joyful occasions, such as Diwali, Baisakhi, Eid, and other celebrations." The word *Bumro* refers to a bumblebee, symbolizing the song’s connection to the bumblebee of the Shyam color. Gulzar also mentions that this dance is performed solely by young women. The attire includes Kashmiri *faran* (traditional robe), jewelry, and *salwar* (loose trousers). The dance is accompanied by traditional instruments such as *rabab*, *sarangi*, *tumbaknari*, *noot* (a type of drum), *harmonium*, and *santoor*.
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