Ghungroos (ankle bells)

In Indian classical dance, ghungroos—strings of small metallic bells worn around the ankles—embody the union of rhythm and movement. In Kathak, they transform sound into visual rhythm, accentuating the dancer’s intricate footwork (tatkar) and echoing the cyclical beats of the music (taal). Their tonal variations merge percussive dance with melodic accompaniment, creating a dialogue between motion, music, and emotion.


Within the Janakiprasad (Banaras) Gharana of Kathak, rhythm is more than a structure—it is a living language. Here, natawari bols, the art of spoken rhythmic syllables, intertwine with footwork, tabla, and ghungroos to convey narrative, mood (rasa), and poetic expression. Considered sacred, ghungroos are both adornment and instrument, amplifying the dancer’s presence and the expressive depth of performance.


These ghungroos were personally worn by Padma Shri Sunayana Hazarilal, the foremost exponent of the Janakiprasad Gharana. Trained under Guru Hazarilal, she has devoted her life to preserving its lyrical grace and rhythmic precision. A celebrated performer and educator, Hazarilal founded the Natawari Dance Academy and has shared Kathak’s legacy worldwide. Recipient of the Padma Shri (2011) and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2024), her donation offers a resonant symbol of Kathak’s timeless artistry—the eternal music of the dancer’s feet.