FOLK DANCES OF RAJASTHAN

Rajasthan is known for its vibrant folk dances, which are an integral part of the state’s cultural heritage. These dances capture the essence of the traditions, celebrations, and rituals of the people. Rajasthani folk dances can be classified into two main categories:

Types of Folk Dance

• Regional Folk Dance: Dances specific to various regions of Rajasthan, reflecting the local culture, traditions, and celebrations.
• Tribal Folk Dance: Dances performed by tribal communities, showcasing their unique heritage, rituals, and connection with nature.

Regional Folk Dances of Rajasthan

1) Ghumar

• Significance: Known as the State Dance of Rajasthan, Ghumar is considered the soul of Rajasthani culture. It is a symbol of grace and elegance.
• Performance: Traditionally performed by women during Teej festival and other special occasions, the dance involves rotating on one’s axis, highlighting the elasticity of the arms and the flowing movements of the dancers.
• Structure: The dance has 8 stages known as “Sawai”.
• Main Instruments: Dhol, Nagara, Shehnai.

2) Kachchhi Ghodi

• Region: A professional folk dance performed by men in the Shekhawati region.
• Performance: Four men dance in two rows, wearing colorful costumes with a wooden horse tied around their waists. The dance depicts the scenes of blossoming and closing of a flower, symbolizing vitality.
• Theme: The dance is a dramatic representation of the warrior spirit and the stories of local bandits.

3) Fire Dance

• Performers: Performed by the Jasnathi sect.
• Region: Katariyasar (Bikaner) is a major center for this dance.
• Performance: Dancers perform barefoot on burning embers, demonstrating their physical endurance and spiritual devotion. The chants of “Fate–Fate” are used during the performance.
• Significance: Promoted by Bikaner Maharaja Ganga Singh, the dance is associated with agricultural activities.

4) Dhol Dance

• Region: Prevalent in the Jalore region.
• Style: Performed in the Thakna style, it involves rhythmic beats on the dhol.
• Performers: Men from the Dholi, Mali, Sargada, and Bheel communities.
• Promoted by: Jai Narayan Vyas encouraged the growth of this dance form.

5) Ghudhla Dance

• Region: Performed in Jodhpur.
• Occasion: Celebrated from Sheetlashtami to Gangaur.
• Significance: It is performed in memory of King Saatal, who killed Ghudale Khan.
• Performance: Women dance with a pierced pot on their heads containing a lamp.
• Promoters: Mani Shankar Ganguly, Komal Kothari, and Devi Lal Samar.
• Institutions: Komal Kothari, a Padma Awardee, co-founded the Rupayan Institute in Borunda, Jodhpur in 1960 with Vijay Dan Detha. Devi Lal Samar founded the Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal in 1952 in Udaipur, known for puppet performances.

6) Terah Taali

• Performers: Women from the Kamadiya sect.
• Occasion: Typically performed during Ramdevji’s fair.
• Performance: Women dance in a seated position using manjiras (cymbals) tied to their legs, elbows, and hands. They perform stunts during the dance.
• Musical Instruments: Tanpura, Chautara.
• Main Center: Padarla, Pali.
• Renowned Performer: Maangi Bai.

7) Chari Dance

• Region: Kishangarh.
• Performers: Performed by Gurjar women.
• Performance: Dancers balance chari (pots) on their heads while burning cotton seeds are placed inside the chari.
• Renowned Performer: Falku Bai.

8) Bhawai Dance

• Region: Performed in the Udaipur division by the Bhavai community.
• Performance: It involves more stunts than music, including dancing on swords, embers, and balancing 7-8 pots on the head.

9) Gindad Dance

• Region: Shekhawati.
• Occasion: Performed by men during Holi.
• Performance: Men dance in circular formations holding wooden sticks.
• Unique Aspect: A man dressed in women’s attire is referred to as Gangaur.
• Main Musical Instrument: Nagada.

10) Bam Dane (Bam Rasiya)

• Region: Performed in the Bharatpur region.
• Performance: A men’s dance accompanied by nagada.
• Song: The songs sung during this dance are called Rasiya, hence the dance is also known as Bam Rasiya.

11) Chung Dance

• Region: Shekhawati region.
• Occasion: Celebrated during Holi.

12) Bindori Dance

• Region: Jhalawar region.
• Occasion: Celebrated during Holi.

13) Daang Dance

• Region: Nathdwara region.
• Occasion: Performed during Holi celebrations.

The folk dances of Rajasthan are not just performances; they are a celebration of life, culture, and tradition. They preserve local customs, history, and stories through vibrant movements, songs, and instrumentation. Each dance, from the graceful Ghumar to the dynamic Kachchhi Ghodi and the daring Fire Dance, represents the spirit of Rajasthan—its bravery, beauty, and cultural pride. These dances continue to be cherished art forms that connect generations, celebrating the past while adapting to the present.

TRIBAL FOLK DANCES OF RAJASTHAN

This table lists various tribes in Rajasthan and their associated folk dances, reflecting the cultural diversity and rich traditions of the region. Each dance form embodies the unique heritage of the tribe, often performed during festivals, celebrations, and special occasions.

Dances of the Bheel Tribe

1. Gair
   • Region: Mewar
   • Description: A folk dance of the Bhil tribe, performed during Holi. It is also popular in Marwar, where people from all castes and religions participate.
   • Performance: Men form circles and dance with wooden sticks in their hands, creating rhythmic beats.
   • Dancewear: Aungi (traditional attire).
   • Main Center: Kanana (Barmer).
2. Gawari
   • Region: Mewar
   • Description: A dance performed by Bhil men, starting from the day after Raksha Bandhan and lasting for 40 days.
   • Alternate Name: Also known as the Rai dance.
3. Yuddh
   • Description: A martial dance performed with swords and spears, showcasing the warrior spirit of the Bhil tribe.
4. Dwichakri
   • Description: A dance where participants create two circles during the performance, symbolizing unity and harmony.
5. Neja
   • Performers: Men and women from the Bhil and Meena tribes.
   • Description: In this dance, a coconut is tied to a wooden stick, with women trying to protect it while men attempt to remove it, creating a playful and competitive atmosphere.
6. Ghumra
   • Region: Banswara
   • Performers: Women of the Bheel tribe.
   • Description: A dance showcasing the graceful movements of Bhil women, often performed during festive occasions.
7. Hathimana
   • Occasion: Weddings.
   • Description: Men perform this dance while kneeling, highlighting their strength and endurance.

Dances of the Garasiya Tribe

1. Waalar
   • Description: A dance performed without musical instruments.
   • Participants: Both men and women.
   • Performance: Two circles are formed while dancing, symbolizing togetherness.
2. Maadal
   • Description: A dance performed using the Maadal, a traditional musical instrument.
3. Lur
   • Description: Performed by Garasiya women of the Lur gotra.
   • Theme: The women of the groom’s side demand a girl from the bride’s side during the dance.
4. Kuud
   • Description: A clapping-based dance performed without musical instruments, showcasing synchronized movements.
5. Jawara
   • Occasion: Performed during Holi.
   • Description: Garasiya women dance while carrying sorghum in their hands, symbolizing prosperity.
6. Moriya
   • Occasion: Weddings.
   • Description: A men’s dance performed during marriage celebrations, symbolizing joy and festivity.
7. Gaur
   • Occasion: Gangaur festival.
   • Description: A traditional dance performed to celebrate Gangaur, a festival dedicated to Goddess Gauri.

Dances of the Kalbeliya Tribe

1. Chakri
   • Description: Kalbeliya women dance with brisk, circular movements, resembling the movement of a snake.
   • Renowned Performer: Gulaabo.
2. Shankariya
   • Description: A couple dance performed by the Kalbeliya community, often based on a love story.
3. Bagadiya
   • Description: Kalbeliya women perform this dance while begging, accompanied by traditional instruments.
   • Main Instruments: Pungi, Khanjari.
   • Notable Mention: Kalbeliya dance is included in UNESCO’s Heritage List, and a training school has been established in Hathi Gaon to teach Kalbeliya dance.

Dances of the Kanjar Tribe

1. Chakari
   • Description: Performed by Kanjar women, wearing traditional attire called Khushni.
   • Performance: Characterized by energetic and circular movements, reflecting joy and celebration.
2. Dhakad
   • Description: Performed by men of the Kanjar tribe, often featuring strong and dynamic movements.

Dances of the Kathodi Tribe

1. Mavliya
   • Occasion: Performed by men during Navratri, celebrating the divine feminine.
2. Holi
   • Occasion: Celebrated by women during Holi, the festival of colors.
   • Performance: Pyramid formations are made during the dance, with participants wearing traditional Fadka Sari.

The tribal folk dances of Rajasthan reflect the vibrant traditions and cultural diversity of the state. Each dance form tells a story, preserving the history, rituals, and values of the respective tribes. These dances are not just a means of celebration but also play a vital role in maintaining social bonds, passing down traditions, and connecting with nature. Through their rhythmic movements, traditional attire, and symbolic gestures, the tribal dances of Rajasthan remain a living testimony to the rich cultural heritage of the region.