Folk Music and Dance

When it comes to liveliness no one can beat Rajasthanis. They are full of life and it is truly reflected in their bounteous colorful celebrations. The erstwhile Maharajas played an important role in encouraging folk dance and music in Rajasthan. They showed a great deal of passion not only in swordsmanship but were equally inclined towards festivals, fairs, dance, music, paintings and poetry. They made sure their kingdoms vibrated with bests of entertainers.

Several communities of entertainers have always been an essential part of Rajasthani festivities. They used to earn rewards for providing lavish enjoyment to the Maharajas. For most of them this was the only source of living. Even today they are invited by the Rajasthani families to add color to various occasions. Be it the birth of a child, festivals, fairs, a good harvest, monsoon, marriage or any other religious function, Rajasthani people celebrate in an overwhelming style. Kalbeliya dancers (a community of entertainers) are popular for their rhythmic snake dances. Some of the famous dance forms are:

Bhavai: Veiled women dancers dance with around seven to eight brass pictures on their head and with their feet balanced on the top of a glass.

Ghoomar: The veiled women sway in circles at a very high speed for hours together.

Fire Dance: The valiant male dancers perform on a bed of burning coals until they reach a hypnotic state.

Drum Dance: This dance form involves a great deal of courage and skill as the performer keeps a naked sword in his mouth and juggle three swords with his hands while the drummers beat the drums.

Rajasthan has been the abode of finest musicians who contributed a lot to the world of music. Festive season is the best time to enjoy the melody of the folk music. There are several musician communities like the Bhats, the Charans, the Bhopas, and the Dholis famous for the diversity of their talents. The traditional musical instruments commonly used in Rajasthan's folk music are Sarangi, Jantar, Ektara, Morchang, Ghoralio, Garasiyas, Kallbelias, Jhalar and Thali.

Rajasthani music is not only famous in India but is also well acknowledged in some western countries.