An ode to the sacred bells of dance: ‘Will always treasure the memory of putting on my first ghungroo as a kid’

Ghungroos are more than accessories — they embody tradition, emotion, and growth. On International Dance Day, we spoke to eminent dancers about their first ghungroos. Here’s a glimpse into their deep connection with this timeless symbol of dance.

On the eve of my Arangetram — my very first public performance — my guru arranged a puja where my first ghungroo was placed at the feet of Lord Nataraja, after which I wore them. To me, my ghungroo is the most important part of my existence — my spiritual champion for life.
“I still have my first ghungroo which is thirty five years old. A new one has taken its place, but it’s still special to me”
–Madhuboni Chatterjee


I remember watching a production as a kid, where dancers wore red ghungroos, and I was mesmerised. It became my dream to one day wear those red ghungroos. To me, they represent my dreams and emotions.
“I used to wear a pair I bought myself, but these red ghungroos, which were a gift to myself, are truly priceless for me” – Sharmila Biswas


I can still recall the tiny bells as my father handed them to me in a bamboo bag, tied with a ribbon. It was a reward for winning first place thrice in a row at school. When I began studying Odissi, my guru, Kelucharan Mohapatra, gifted me a pair and I cherish that pair.
“My first pair and the ones gifted by my guru will always be close to my heart. They remind me of celebration and a spiritual connection I hold dear” – Sutapa Talukdar


I still keep my first ghungroo wrapped in muslin cloth in my almirah. After performances and rehearsals, I always offer my gratitude to the ghungroos, wiping them with a soft cloth and storing them gently.
“On my 18th birthday, my father gifted me another pair, and to this day, I wear them with love and respect. It is one of my greatest treasures” – Dona Ganguly