Rajasthan Folklore

The people of Rajasthan live life to the hilt. After hard work in the harsh desert sun and the rocky terrain whenever they take time off they let themselves go in gay abandon. There is dancing, singing, drama, devotional music and puppet shows and other community festivities which transform the hardworking Rajasthanis into a fun-loving and carefree individual. Each region has its own folk entertainment, the dance styles differ as do the songs. Interestingly enough, even the musical instruments are different.


Music
Rajasthani music is very famous not only in India but also in the world. Music and dance are deeply ingrained in Rajasthani life.The stillness of the desert evening and the upsurge of life in the short- lived rainy season or spring are filled with soulful, full- throated music and rhythmic dance. Instruments such as sarangi , kamaycha, satara, nad, and morchang create a wide range of ligting and melodious sound in accompaniment to the music of the Bhopas, Kalbeliyas, Langas and the Manganiyars. They are patronised by the villagers who participate actively in the shows put up by these travelling entertainers.


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.


Rituals & Ceremonies
Ritual and ceremonies are closely interwoven in the daily life of the people of Rajasthan. Countless rituals and ceremonies are performed on every auspicious occasion that make it a spectacular event. Visit Rajasthan and experience by yourself the mystic of this colorful land.

Jhadula
A protective aspect of Shiva that is popular is as Bhaironji, and there are several shrines to this manifestation. People of Rajasthan bring their newborn infants to the shrines of Shiva for their haircuts- a popular ceremony known as Jhadula. Following their haircut, the children are formally placed in the protection of the family deity. It is a general belief across Rajasthan that such rites ward off misfortune, illness and enemies and help to bring in the desired wealth, success, marital bliss, and even heirs to continue one's lineage. Such ceremonies are usually conducted by family priests and often involve the fire ceremony to sanctity the observance.

Marriage
Marriages provide a good opportunity for families to get together. Once the alliance has been established, and a date set for the wedding, the groom family sends to the brides the wedding dress and the 'aar' necklace she must wear for the actual ceremony round the fire. During the wedding bride's face is kept veiled. It is traditional to take one's marriage vows by walking round the holy fire seven times.

Nazar- A Royal Ceremony
In the modern time when the princess have been derecognised, there are still a few ceremonies that are held with the same zeal. On their birthdays Maharajas are still honored by a gathering of their clansmen and receive nazar from them. The ceremony is held in a formal durbar where attendance is strictly by rank. The erstwhile maharanis host a formal women's durbar and here the head of the family is invited to watch the women perform ghoomer.

Kajli Teej
Kajli Teej is celebrated on the third day of the month Bhadra (July/August). Seekers of conjugal bliss and happiness worship goddess Parvati. Rituals and ceremonies performed in this festival are different from the usual teej festivities that give it a distinct touch. An exuberant procession of teej in a decorated palanquin is a treat to the eyes..