Music and Dance in Rajasthan

The music and dance of Rajasthan find their influences in its folk art traditions, the long rule by Rajputs and also its tribal traditions. Rajasthan also has a number of musical instruments that are native to this place. Among the large number of musical instruments that find a place in Rajasthan’s music, tinklers, kettledrums, flutes, trumpets, resonators and several bowing or plucking devices, all are quite notable.

Just as Rajasthanis decorate their homes, their animals and their own selves, they also embellish their musical instruments. The distinct sounds of Rajasthan’s music and songs have found favor with people from across the world and also in the Indian film industry. Several tribal and rural communities are traditionally the musicians and singers since the days when the royal families patronized the arts. These communities include Joshi, Chipas, Nayak, Jogi and Dholi.

A tradition of Rajasthan that must find mention here is that of Phad. Phad is a form of a painting as well as a ballad. In both these forms, Phads tell of devotional stories. Maand is also a unique singing form of Rajasthan.

The dances of Rajasthan are colorful and captivating. Women dress up in voluminous and colorful skirts and veils along with elaborate jewelry for the dance performances. Men also take pride in their traditional garments, their turbans and their moustaches. Ghoomar is a well known community dance of Rajasthan that is performed by women on auspicious occasions. Other popular dances that also attract the tourists because of their uniqueness and intricate moves are the Kalbeliya and the Fire Dance. In Kalbeliya, the movements are like that of a snake.

Typically, all hotels in Rajasthan organize music and dance performances for the benefit of their guests. Watching such a performance while enjoying a traditional meal is quite and experience.