Folk Music & Dance

The people of Rajasthan are extremely joyous and believe in living life to the fullest. Even after putting in tremendous hard work under the scorching desert sun and the rocky terrains, they let their souls be at peace in the little time they find for themselves and thoroughly enjoy by indulging in activities such as singing, drama, dancing, devotional music and puppet shows. These informal community gatherings and festivities completely transform a hardworking Rajasthani native into a carefree and fun-loving individual. The folk musical instruments used are quite simple but unusual. Today, the Rajasthani folk music and its singing communities such as Mirasis, Manganiyars, Dhadis, Jogis, Langas, Kalbelias (snake charmers), Bhawaris, Kamads, Thoris or Nayaks and Sargads, are famous worldwide.

‘Haveli Sangeet’ is lively and stirring and can primarily be heard in the numerous temples of Vaishnav sect. Along with this, Rajasthan also has a rich history of classical music. Various schools of music, known as ‘gharana’ have prospered and flourished under the royal patronage. The well-known ‘rupad’ style of music has been contributed by the singers of Rajasthan while the melodious ‘Maand’ Raga has been originated from a folk tune of Jodhpur.

Apart from these, Rajasthan is also home to a wide range of folk dances, out of which ‘Ghoomar’ and ‘Gair’ hold a significant place. ‘Ghoomar’ is basically a circular dance performed exclusively without sticks by females whereas ‘Gair’ is performed using sticks, only by males. Other major folk dances of Rajasthan include acts such as Geendar & Chang dance of Shekhawati, the Chari dance, Bam or Rasiya dance, the Dhol dance of Jalore, the Terahtali, the Bhawai and Kachhi Ghodi etc.