Folk Music & Dance of Rajasthan
Rich in culture and art, Rajasthan is an assault on the senses. It is a land that simply resonates with vivacity that is ably displayed by its enthusiastic people who have not let the harsh desert conditions mar their jest for life. Indeed, they lose no time to celebrate with dance and music at the first given opportunity. No wonder, the state boasts of such a rich folk culture that amazes every visitor.
The folk music and dance scenario in Rajasthan is a colorful affair. There are so many forms and varieties to speak of that one is sure to lose count. Admired by people from all around the world, the folk music and dance forms of Rajasthan have a grace that is simply beyond words. Right from devotional to classical forms, Rajasthani folk music and dance has a style that stands out.
Rajasthan happens to be a desert land where there isn’t much water or greenery to speak of. But its brave people have taken the harsh geographical conditions in their stride and whenever they get the time, indulge themselves with community festivities, puppet shows and the like. Since every region of Rajasthan has its own distinct style of dance and music, today the state is home to numerous such forms.
Some of the popular and better known forms of folk dance and music in Rajasthan are:
Ghoomar: Performed by women, this community dance is performed on auspicious occasions, wherein the dancers move in circles to a gentle rhythm.
Gait: Performed only by men, this dance is performed during the festival of Holi.
Chari: This dance form originated in the Kisherigarh region of Rajasthan. Here, the dancer dances with a pot on his/her head. A lighted lamp is later placed on the pot and the whole performance adds up to a breathtaking sight.
Kacchi Ghodi: Dummy horses are used for this form dance. Men in brightly colored costumes ride on these horses brandishing naked swords even as they move to the rhythm of beating drums and pipes.
Fire Dance: Performed by the Jasnathis of Bikaner and Chun, this dance involves men and boys jumping on a charcoal bed to the accompaniment of drum beats. As the music reaches a crescendo, it seems that the dancers are in a trance.
Teerah Taali: This dance is performed by the Kamad community of Pokhran and Deedwana in honor of Baba Ramdeo. The men play a four string instrument called ‘chau-tara’ while women with dozens of cymbals tied to their bodies strike them with the ones they hold in their hands.
Kathputli: Puppet plays based on popular legends are a treat to watch. Skilled puppeteers make the puppets act and dance to the accompaniment of beating drums and songs.
Maand: Once only sung in royal courts in praise of Rajput rulers, Maand is famous as the most sophisticated forms of folk music in Rajasthan.
With so many forms of Rajasthani folk music and dance forms to boot, it is simply difficult to describe all in one breath. But nevertheless, visitors must make it a point to experience some of the lively dance and musical performances displayed with great pride by the artists of Rajasthan.
