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Kachhi Ghodi: This is a dance performed
on dummy horses. Men in elaborate costumes
ride the equally well decorated dummy horses.
Holding naked swords, these dancers move
rhythmically to the beating of drums and
fifes. A singer narrates the exploits of
the Bavaria bandits of Shekhawati.
Fire Dance: The Jasnathis of Bikaner
and Chum are renowned for their tantric
powers and this dance is in keeping with
their lifestyle. A large ground is prepared
with live wood and charcoal where the Jasnathi
men and boys jump on to the fire to the
accompaniment of drum beats. The music gradually
rises in tempo and reaches a crescendo,
the dancers seem to be in a trance like
state. Drum Dance: This is a professional
dance-form from Jalore. Five men with huge
drums round their necks,some with huge cymbals
accompany a dancer who holds a naked sword
in his mouth and performs vigorously by
twirling three painted sticks.
Teerah Taali: The Kamad community
of Pokhran and Deedwana perform this dance
in honour of theft deity, Baba Ramdeo. A
rather unusual performance where the men
play a four-stringed instrument called a
chau-tara and the women sit with dozens
of manjeeras, or cymbals, tied on all over
their bodies and strike them with the ones
they hold in their hands.
Kathputli: Puppet plays based on
popular legends are performed by skilled
puppeteers. Displaying his skill in making
the puppets’ act and dance, the puppeteer
is accompanied by a woman, usually his wife,
who plays the dholak, or drum and sings
the ballad.
Pabuji Ki Phach: A 14th century folk
hero, Pabuji is revered by the Bhopa community.
The phad, or scroll, which is about 10 metres
long, highlights the life and heroic deed
of Pabuji. The Bhopas are invited by villagers
to perform in their areas during times of
sickness and misfortune.
Maand: Rajasthan’s most sophisticated
style of folk music and has come a long
way from the time it was only sung in royal
courts, in praise of the Rajput rulers.
Professional singers still sing the haunting
ballads of Moomal Mahendra, Dhola-Maru and
other legendary lovers and heroes.
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