Overview

Ghunghroo, also known as Ghungroo, Ghoonghroo, Ghunghar, Ghunghur, Salangai, and Tinklebells. Many tinkerbells are strewn together to create this musical feet ornament that adorns the feet of Indian classical dancers. A musical leg piece or an anklet, Ghunghroo sounds and weighs differently based on the composition and size. They have a dual purpose of providing music according to the beats and also add grace to the dance. The purpose of wearing Ghungru was to produce the sound according to the movement of feet and the vice-versa. Hence, the composition and size of each Ghunghroo is made depending upon the pitch required. The association of Ghungru is not only with the dancer’s movements, but the spectator’s tendency to relate to the rhythmic aspects of the choreography and the intense foot movement by the dancers. A single string of Ghunghar may range from 50 bells to more than 200 bells knotted together. With increasing sets of bells and added strings, a dancer advances in his or her technical ability for that dance form. With much practical approach of the next generations, passion for Ghunghroo was improvised. Hence, the modified version of Ghunghru gave birth to the Payal. Ghunghrus have still retained their previous forms; however, the payal has considerably been transformed into various beautiful and intricate jewellery pieces. From gold and silver payal, to those encrusted with gems- there are designs galore to choose from. Even the metallic variations, which are highly affordable, have the most impressive designs and are well worth the money. The payal has also been transformed into sleek anklets to cater to the young women and girls who want ornaments that are less intrusive and more stylish. These thin anklets need not be bought as a pair, as girls prefer wearing a single anklet. Furthermore, a majority of such anklets do not contain the bells either as they are only worn as an accessory and not as an ornament. Ghoongroo is worn by the Classical dancer while performing for dance and theatre forms like Bharatnatyam, Mohiyattam, Kuchipudi, Odishhi, Kathak, Yakshajana, and many more.

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