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Ghoomar
A community
dance of the Rajputs, performed by the women of the house and traditionally out
of bounds for the men, it uses simply, swaying movements to convey the spirit
of any auspicious occasion. There is, however, an amazing grace as the skirts
flair slowly while the women twirl in circles, their faces covered by the veil
Bhavai
One
of the state's most spectacular performances, it 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 the top of a glass or
on the edge of the sword. There is sense of cutting edge suspense and nail biting
acts in the dance. 
Kachhi
Ghodi Originated
from the bandit regions of Shekhawati, the dance is performed
for the entertainment of the bridegroom's party. Dancers while elaborate costumes
that resemble them riding on dummy horse. 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 of Rajasthan.
Folk Instruments
An
inseparable part of folk music, Folk Instruments add the ever so important rhythm
and melody to the folk dances and the vocal performances. In Rajasthan
the folk instruments have developed according to regional settings & environment.
Some folk instruments are hundreds of years old in style and are comparable
to the classical music instruments in quality of music. Every instrument is
still made and played according to same tradition and passion.
String instruments like Sarangi, Rawanhatha,
Kamaycha and Bhapang add haunting melody to
the music. Percussion instrument like Dholak,
Nagara, Chang and Dhap add the rhythmic
beat to joyous music.
A variety of wind instruments complete the multitude of folk instruments which
include, Algoja, Satara, Murla,
Nad, Poongi and Shehnai. And
then there are instruments like Kartaal or Morchang (Jewish
Harp) that are unique additions to the great repository of folk instruments as
they are unlike any instruments found anywhere in the world |