Description

Ankle Bells, also known as Chilankai or Ghungroo, are essential pieces of jewellery worn by every classical dancer. In classical dance, the Salangai is indispensable. It is worn as an anklet, consisting of a cluster of bells attached to leather, producing melodious sounds with every movement. Even if other dance attire or ornaments are not worn, the Salangai must be used during a performance, as it completes the dance. Every year, during Saraswathi Pooja, the Salangai is placed for the pooja, followed by the Salanga Pooja to seek blessings for a
successful performance. After the pooja, dancers tie the Salangai to their feet and dance, symbolizing the completion of the ritual.

Dancers often describe their Chilanka using metaphors such as soul, heart, heartbeat, and life. From a child’s single-line Chilanka to an accomplished performer’s five-line version, the Chilanka evolves alongside the artist.

Zaras offers Chilankas in various fabrics such as leather, velvet, and cloth, with options ranging from 2-line to 5-line designs. Both buckle and sticker straps are available. Chilankas are handmade with high-quality brass bells. Approximately, in 2 lined chilankas, there will be 17+17= 34 bells, in 3 lines 29+29=59 bells, in 4 lines 36+36= 72 bells and 5 lines 48+48= 96 bells.

The available colours are black, maroon and red. Explore Zara’s wide range of Chilanka collection, featuring ghunguroos of various fabrics, bells and colours.