Rajasthan
is culturally rich and has extensive tradition in art and culture, which reflects
Indian way life. The dance, music and art forms have been watchfully cultivated
and patronised by the erstwhile courts. An equally rich and varied folk culture
from villages is both fascinating & mesmerising. The music is of uncomplicated
innocence and songs depict day-to-day relationships and chores more often focal
around bring of water. Rajasthan's cultural tapestry takes in simple folk to
highly cultivated classical music and dance in its own distinct style.
Kathputli: A tradition of puppeteering has long existed in Rajasthan
A traveling form of entertainment; it uses the ballads retold in the voice of
the puppeteer who is assisted by this family in erecting a make-shift stage.
Puppets are strung on the stage and recount historic anecdotes, reply tales
of love, and include much screeching and high-pitched sounds as the puppets
twirl and move frenetically.
Sapera Dance: One of the most sensuous dance forms of Rajasthan, Performed
by the Kalbelia snake charmers’ community, the Sapera dancers wear long,
black skirts embroidered with silver ribbons. As they spin in a circle, their
body sways acrobatically, so that it is impossible to believe that they are
made of anything other than rubber. As the beat increases too much a pitch that
it leaves the viewer as exhausted as the dancer.
Drum Dance: Put a naked sword in the mouth of a man, and give him three
swords to juggle with his hands while avoiding causing an injury to himself.
This to the accompaniment of his troupe that consists of musicians holding aloft
drums around their necked and cymbals in their hands. A stirring performance
from a martial race.
Ghoomar: A community dance of the Rajputs, performed by the women of
the house and traditionally out of bounds for men, it uses simple, swaying movements
to convey the spirit of any auspicious occasion. There is, however, an amazing
grace as the skirts flare slowly while the women twirl in circles, their faces
covered by the veil. Traditionally all women, whether old or young, participate
in the dance, which can continue for hours into the night. A new bride, on her
husband, too is expected to dance the ghoomar as one of the rituals of the new
marriage.
Fire
Dance: if there is divine protection to be offered, the jasnaiths of Bkaner
and churu must be responsible for most of it. These dancers perform on a large
bed of flaming coals, their steps moving to the beat of drums that arises in
crescendo till the dancers appear to be in a near-hypnotic state. And no, they’re
not likely to have any blisters to show for it. These devotional performances
are usually to be seen late on a winter’s night.
Gair: There are several variations to this picturesque dance form that
is performed by both men and women. The men wear long, pleated tunics that open
out into full-length skirts as they move first clockwise then in anti-clockwise
direction, beating their sticks to create the rhythm when they turn. Originally
a Bhil dance, and performed at the time of Holi, its variations are the Dandia
Gair in the Marwar Region and Geended in the Shekhawati region.
Kachhi Ghodi: Originated from the bandit regions of Shekhawati, the dance
is performed for the entertainment of a bridegroom’s party. Dancers wear
elaborate costumes resemble them riding on dummy horses. A vigorous dance, it
uses mock-fights and the brandishing of swords, nimble sidestepping and pirouetting
to the music of fifes and drums. A ballad singer usually sings the exploits
of the bandit Robin Hoods.
Music & Dances of Rajasthan, Rajasthan Tourism
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