Folk Music & Dance
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 the gay abandon. There is dancing,
singing, drama, devotional music & puppet show an other community
festivities which transforms the hardworking rajasthani in to a
fun loving and care free individual. Each region has its own folk
entertainment, the dance styles differ as do the song.
Interestingly enough, even the musical instrument are different.
Some of the better know forms of entertainment are :
Ghoomar : This is basically a community dance for women and
performed on auspicious occasions. Derived from word Ghoomna
pirouette, this is a very simple dance. Where the ladies move
gently, gracefully in circles.
Gair Ghoomar : This one of the many
dance forms of the Bhil tribal. Performed during Holi festival,
this is among a few performances where both men and women dance
together.
Gair : Another Holi dance but performed only by men. This
becomes Dandia Gair in Jodhpur and Geendad in shekhawati.
Chari dance : This is popular in the Kishengarh region and
involves dancing with a chari , or a pot , one one’s head. A light
lamp is than placed on the pot.

Fire dance : the Jasnathis of Bikaner and Churu 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 Jasnathi men and boys jump on the fire to the
to the accompaniment of drum beats.
Kathputli Dance : Puppet plays based on
popular legends are performed by skilled puppeteers. Displaying
his skill in making the puppet’s act and dance, the puppeteer
accompanied by a woman, usually his wife, who plays the dholak, or
drum and sing the ballad.
Pabuji Ki Phad : A 14th century folk hero, pabuji is
revered by the Bhopa community. The phad, or scroll, which is
about 10 meters long, highlight 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 a 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 point.
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