Dumhal, a dance performed by men of the Wattal community, belongs to which region?

The correct answer is Jammu and Kashmir. Dumhal is a traditional folk dance of the Kashmir valley. It is performed by men of the Wattal community, especially in the areas of Anantnag, Baramulla and Kupwara, on special occasions and at festivals and shrines.

In the Dumhal dance, the performers wear long, colourful robes and tall, conical caps decorated with beads, shells and small mirrors. The dance begins with a ritual in which the performers carry a banner in a procession to a chosen place, where they plant it in the ground. They then dance around the banner, in a circle, with rhythmic, swaying movements, while singing songs in chorus. The music is provided by drums, and the singers often follow a lead singer. The songs are mostly religious and devotional, and they are often sung in praise of Sufi saints, as the dance is often performed at the shrines (ziarats) of Sufi saints in Kashmir. Dumhal is considered a sacred dance, and it is performed with great devotion and dignity.

Kashmir has a rich tradition of folk performing arts. Rouf (also spelt Rauf) is a dance of Kashmiri women, performed in two facing rows, especially during Eid and in the spring. Bhand Pather is a traditional folk theatre that combines satire, music and acting. Hikat is a dance performed by young boys and girls in pairs, holding each other's hands and spinning. Chakri is a form of folk music sung with instruments such as the rabab, the sarangi and the noot (a clay pot). The Jammu region has its own dances, such as Kud, a ritual dance performed at night in honour of the local deities.

About the other options:

• Punjab is known for Bhangra, Giddha and Luddi.
• Uttarakhand is known for Choliya, Jhora and Hurka Baul.
• Himachal Pradesh is known for Nati, Dangi and Jhali.
• None of these is associated with Dumhal.