Dances of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is one of India’s unique and captivating states, which is very famous for its culture, traditions, textiles, handicrafts, colourful arts, fantabulous food, silver jewels, and folk culture that is their folk music and folk dances and many other things. The capital of Rajasthan is Jaipur which is also known as the “pink city”, which is the forty-eighth most beautiful of all cities in the world. Jaipur has many marvellous places to visit, like there are so many forts with amazing hidden stories, colourful and beautiful bazaars, museums and many more.

Rajasthan is well known for its traditional folk dances used for the entertainment of kings in ancient times. But now, these folk dances have become the life of Rajasthan, which was previously called Rajputana. Royal communities of Rajasthan used to add folk dances to their rituals till now. This article tells you all about the speciality of the dances of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan: Dances

Rajasthan dance includes folk dances from past years as Rajasthan is known for its traditional, beautiful cultures and many more things similarly; it is also a well-known state for its folk dances and music. Rajasthani folk dances are known for their rich culture. There are many kinds of Rajasthan folk dances named Ghoomar, Kathputli, Bhopa, Chang, Teratali, Grindr, Kachchhighori, Tejaji and many more. All these folk dances are very famous, but tourists are mostly fond of Ghoomar, Kathputli and Kalbelia traditional folk dances among these folk dances. These dances are very special, unique and captivating. These folk dances belong to different backgrounds, mostly performed in past times in front of the Royal communities of Rajasthan. Now let’s highlight some of the famous traditional folk dances.

Ghoomar

Ghoomar is one of the most ancient and famous folk dances of Rajasthan, which is famous in Rajasthan and one of the most famous folk dances. A group of women generally performs it at specific or big events. Ghoomar folk dance is not only a dance but also the emotions of Rajasthani people. The name “ghoomar” was derived from the word “ghoomna”, in which the women move circularly. At the same time, their colourful Ghagra beautifies the scenario and fills the environment with more joy. There are some of the famous traditional songs for the Ghoomar folk dance named ‘Gorband ”, ”Podina “,”Rumal “, and “Mor bole re”. These songs may be heard by the royal communities of Rajasthan and by traditional people. As per the ancient rituals, the newly married bride is wished to do ghoomar dance as a welcome dance for her newly married life.

Kathputli

Kathputli folk dance is a part of a tradition that belongs more than thousands of years ago. In Rajasthan, tribal people used to perform the art of Kathputli dance from the past times, which has become an eternal form of Rajasthani culture. The old scholars believe that the Kathputli dance performed by tribal peoples tells about the real lifestyle of traditional Rajasthani people and the neighbouring areas. Kathputli dance is not only for the entertainment of the Royal communities of Rajasthan but also provides a source of earning for the poor people. This dance is unique and captivating, which attracts the tourists towards them. Kathputli means a “doll”, which is created with the help of wood, cotton clothes and metal wires. The community of Bhat mentioned that their ancestors used to perform kathputli for the families of the Royal communities of Rajasthan. Thus they were appreciated and honoured by the rural Rajasthan.

Kalbelia

The Kalbelia folk dance is performed during the celebration as part of Kalbelia culture. This dance and their song are a piece of honour for them as it gives identity to the Kalbelia. This folk dance is generally performed by women wearing black skirts who dance while copying the snake’s movement. The upper wear cloth is named “Angrakhi ”, the cloth on the top head is called “Odhni”, and a lower wear cloth is named”Lehenga “. These clothes are fully worked with embroidery of black and red colour. In this folk dance, men play their role as musicians as they play instruments like pungi, dafli, been and dholak, etc.

Conclusion

From the given content, it is concluded that Rajasthan is the treasure of traditions and folk dances followed from ancient times till the current time. Rajasthan is known for its amazing cultures and traditions and many other things involving folk dances and songs. Clearly, it can be said that folk dances give life to the old traditions of  Rajasthan to be followed till now. The unique and captivating folk dances of Rajasthan are the reflection of joy and glory for every ritual and function. The Rajasthan folk dances also give the essence of Indian culture and the beauty of Indian tradition.