SALANGAI VELVET 4-LINE VELVET ANKLE BELLS (FOUR)

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.