Rajasthan folk dance
Kalbelia Dance
This fascinating kalbelia dance is performed by the women
of Kalbelia community, age-old occupation being catching snakes
and trading snake venom. Hence the dance movements and the
costumes bear resemblance to that of the serpents.
Bhavai: One of the state’s most spectacular
performances consists of veiled women dancers balancing up
to seven or nine brass pitchers as they dance nimbly, pirouetting,
and then swaying with the soles of their feet perched on top
of a glass, or on the edge of a sword. There is a sense of
cutting edge suspense to the performance, and even through
some of the hotel performers use only papier-mache pots that
are stuck together, the feat is still one of amazing dexterity.
There is a great tradition of popular poetry, which is written
under the rival banners of Turru and Kalangi. This is a sung
in groups in Jikri, Kanhaiyya or Geet(of the Meenas), Hele-ke-Khyal
and Bam Rasiya of Eastern Rajasthan. Group singing of classical
bandishes, called the Dangal or taalbandi is also unique to
this region. Bhopas are singing priests of various deities
or warrior saints.The Bhopas of Mataji wear costumes and play
the Mashak.
|
| Karna Bhil
playing the Nad
Folk opera is another field which has been made immensely
popular by the professionals, often in association with amateurs.
The Chairawi and Kuchamani Khyals, Maach of Chittaurgarh area,
Tamayha of Jaipur and Rammat of Bikaner are famous.
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.
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.
|
|
