Gugga is a religious folk dance form of Haryana, which has been passed down from generation to generation. Gugga, a religious person who is worshipped by devotees and performers of this dance form is also known as Zahir Pir, Guru Gugga and Bagarwalla. Gugga is worshipped in Haryana by both Hindus and Muslims, all over the state as well as nearby states. Gugga brings communities together.
Gugga Pir was born on the Bhadon Naomi in Bikaner, Rajastan and the day is celebrated as Gugga Naumi. It is said that Gugga married the daughter of Raja Sanjha of Kamrup. The folk dances of Haryana are repositories of traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Musical instruments like Deru, Thali, Chima etc. are used in the Gugga dance performance. Five Bhagats are the main dancers of Gugga dance form. Devotees join a procession led by a Bhagat, carrying Gugga Kichhari, few weeks before the Gugga Naumi. Gugga Kichhari is a long bamboo stick decorated with garlands, colourful clothes and fans. The performers sing songs in praise of Gugga.
