Folk Music
Folk music and Dances of Rajasthan
The people of Rajasthan live life to the hilt. After hard work in the harsh
desert sun and the rocky terrain whenever they take time off they let themselves
go in gay abandon. There is dancing, singing, drama, devotional music and puppet
shows and other community festivities which transform the hardworking Rajasthani
into a fun-loving and carefree individual. Each region has its own folk
entertainment, the dance styles differ as do the songs. Interestingly enough,
even the musical instruments are different.
Of considerable significance are the devotional songs and the communities who
render these songs. Professional performers like the Bhaats, Dholis, Mirasis,
Nats, Bhopas and Bhands are omnipresent across the state. They are patronised by
the villagers who participate actively in the shows put up by these travelling
entertainers. Some of the better known forms of entertainment are:
Ghoomar Dance: This is basically a community dance for women and performed on.
auspicious occasions. Derived from the word ghoomna, piroutte, this is a very
simple dance where the ladies move gently, gracefully in circles.
Gait Ghoomar: This is one of the many dance-forms of the Bhil tribals. Performed
during Holi festival, this is among a few performances where both men and women
dance together.
Gait: Another Holi dance but performed only by men. This becomes Dandia Gair in
Jodhpur and Geendad in Shekhawati.
Chart Dance: This is popular in the Kisherigarh region and involves dancing with
a chari, or pot, on ones head. A lighted lamp is then placed on the pot.
Kachhi Ghodi: This is a dance performed on dummy horses. Men in elaborate
costumes ride the equally well decorated dummy horses. Holding naked swords,
these dancers move rhythmically to the beating of drums and fifes. A singer
narrates the exploits of the Bavaria bandits of Shekhawati.
Fire Dance: The Jasnathis of Bikaner and Chum are renowned for their tantric
powers and this dance is in keeping with their lifestyle. A large ground is
prepared with live wood and charcoal where the Jasnathi men and boys jump on to
the fire to the accompaniment of drum beats. The music gradually rises in tempo
and reaches a crescendo, the dancers seem to be in a trance like state. Drum
Dance: This is a professional dance-form from Jalore. Five men with huge drums
round their necks, some with huge cymbals accompany a dancer who holds a naked
sword in his mouth and performs vigorously by twirling three painted sticks.
Teerah Taali: The Kamad community of Pokhran and Deedwana perform this dance in
honour of theft deity, Baba Ramdeo. A rather unusual performance where the men
play a four-stringed instrument called a chau-tara and the women sit with dozens
of manjeeras, or cymbals, tied on all over their bodies and strike them with the
ones they hold in their hands. Sometimes, the women also hold a sword between
their teeth or place pots with lighted lamps on their heads.
Kathputli: Puppet plays based on popular legends are performed by skilled
puppeteers. Displaying his skill in making the puppets act and dance, the
puppeteer is accompanied by a woman, usually his wife, who plays the dholak, or
drum and sings the ballad.
Pabuji Ki Phach: A 14th century folk hero, Pabuji is revered by the Bhopa
community. The phad, or scroll, which is about 10 metres long, highlights the
life and heroic deed of Pabuji. The Bhopas are invited by villagers to perform
in their areas during times of sickness and misfortune. The ballad is sung by
the Bhopa as he plays the Ravan-hattha and he is joined by his wife who holds a
lamp and illuminates the relevant portions at appropriate points.
Maand: Rajasthans most sophisticated style of folk music and has come a long way
from the time it was only sung in royal courts, in praise of the Rajput rulers.
Professional singers still sing the haunting ballads of Moomal Mahendra,
Dhola-Maru and other legendary lovers and heroes.
List of singers and performers also includes the Mirasis and Jogis of Mewat,
Manganiyars and Langas, Kanjars, Banjaras and Dholies. Performances like the
Kuchamani Khayal, Maach, Tamasha, Rammat, Nautanki and Raasleela are no less
popular. The musical instruments of Rajasthan are simple but quite unusual.
Handcrafted by the musicians themselves they are rather unique and include
instruments like the Morchang, Naad, Sarangi, Kamayacha, Rawanhattha, Algoza,
Khartal, Poongi, Bankia and Da There are dozens of other instruments which are
exclusive to Rajasthan only.
It is a rather difficult task to list all the different types of music, dance
and entertainment that can be found in Rajasthan. The range is mindboggling.
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New Delhi Tour
Rajasthan Historic tour 10 days
Mewari Tour with Agra 7 days
Classic Golden Triangle tour 7 days
Rajasthan Wildlife Safari tour 6 days
Rajasthan Real Adventure 16 days
Rajasthan Tour with Agra 15 days
Jaipur city tour with Pushkar 4 days
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Classic Desert tour 11 days
Jaipur city tour 3 days
Jaipur Tour
Rajasthan Tiger tour 6 days
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Cultural Rajasthan tour 15 days
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Magic of Rajasthan tour 15 days
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Rajasthan Kings tour 9 days
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Rajasthan Travel tour 14 days
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Rajasthan Package tour 12 days
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Classic Desert tour 11 days
Magical Rajasthan tour 10 days
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