Kazakhstan's All-Girls Dance Troupe 'Tumar' to Perform at Bihar Museum on October 4

'Tumar', a renowned Kazakh dance ensemble, will perform in Bihar on 4 October 2025. This event aims to enhance cultural ties between Kazakhstan and India through traditional dance.

As part of the 9th India International Folk Festival organized by Indian Council for Cultural Relations, under Ministry of External Affairs, for the first time a celebrated 12-member all girls dance group 'Tumar' (Tumar in Kazakh language refers to a triangular protective amulet or talisman worn traditionally to ward off evil) from Central Asian country Kazakhstan will be visiting Bihar. They will be hosted by Bihar Museum and will perform their traditional dance in Bihar Museum's amphitheatre on 4 October 2025 at 5 pm as part of the ongoing Biennale. The group will also perform in other parts of India, including in neighbouring Jharkhand under the aegis of ICCR Regional Office, Patna. The event will be graced by DG Bihar Museum Sh Anjani Kumar Singh, and RD ICCR Patna Smt. Swadha Rizvi (IFS) will also be present.

"The visit of the Kazakh cultural group will serve to promote cultural exchange between the rich cultural heritage of Kazakhstan and Bihar, thereby strengthening bilateral cultural relations and people-to-people ties between India and Kazakhstan", said Smt. Swadha Rizvi, RD ICCR Patna.

The dance ensemble "Tumar" was established in September 2018. The head of the ensemble is Ms. Akereke Kairatovna Musalimova. 'Tumar' is a bright and distinctive creative group that has made a significant contribution to the development and popularization of national choreographic art.

The ensemble was created with the aim of preserving, developing, and promoting the Kazakh dance heritage. From its early years, the group established itself as a unique creative collective, demonstrating deep respect for national culture combined with a high level of performance.

Over the years of fruitful work, the ensemble has developed its own style, harmoniously combining elements of folk dance, modern choreographic solutions, and profound imagery. Each performance is not just a dance number but a complete stage production filled with meaning, emotion, and visual beauty.

The productions are distinguished by high technical complexity, expressive choreography, musical sophistication, and well-thought-out scenography. Special attention is paid to the authenticity of costumes, as well as the emotional intensity and artistic delivery of the performers.

The "Tumar" dance ensemble is a laureate of I, II, and III degrees and the holder of grand prix titles at numerous international competitions and festivals:

• 2019 - laureates of III degree at the XV republican festival-competition of children's creativity "Ak kogershin", Astana;
• 2019 - laureates of I degree at the international competition "Altyn kuz", Petropavlovsk;
• 2019 - laureates of I degree at the XVI republican festival-competition of children's creativity "Ak kogershin", Almaty;
• 2021 - laureates of I and II degree at the international multigenre art competition "Dance with all your soul", Shymkent;
• 2022 - two grand prix, laureates of I degree at the international competition "Battle of talents", Astana, as well as the cup "Big creative family";
• 2022 - grand prix, laureates of I and II degree, "Best folk dance" at the international choreographic competition "Talents kz", Astana;
• 2022 - Three grand prix, laureates of I degree at "Almaty music festival", Almaty; certificate of participation in the VII international competition-festival "Dubai music festival", Dubai;
• 2023 - at the international competition "Energy of stars", the ensemble won one super grand prix, one Vip grand prix, three Grand prix, three 1st places, and two 2nd places, as well as the cup *"Big creative family"*;
• 2023 - at the VIII international festival-competition of choreographic art "Istanbul autumn festival", the ensemble received two grand prix and one 1st place;
• 2023 - at the international multigenre competition "Talents of kazakhstan", the ensemble won five grand prix, two 1st places, the cup "best ensemble", and the cup "Best director";
• 2023 - at the international competition "Zhuldyz art Kazakhstan"*, the ensemble won the grand prix, the cup "big creative family", three 1st places, one 2nd place, and three 3rd places;
• 2024 - at the international choreographic festival-competition "Golden fleece", Batumi, Georgia, the ensemble won 4 grand prix and 3 first places;
• 2024 - at the international choreographic competition "Dance heroes", Astana, the ensemble won 3 grand prix, 2 first places, and a cash prize for the best dance "Toybastar";
• 2024 - at the international choreographic festival-competition "let's dance together", Petropavlovsk, the ensemble won 3 grand prix, 2 first places, and a cash prize for the best dance "Toybastar";
• 31 May 2025 - at the international art competition "Megapolis.kz", Petropavlovsk, the ensemble won 1 super grand prix, 7 grand prix, 1 first place, the cup for best choreographic production "Cats and mouse", and a diploma in the category "Best choreographer".

The ensemble enjoys wide popularity among audiences and well-deserved recognition in the professional community.