FOLK SINGERS

Manganiyars : The artist of this group have performed in may foreign lands. They are mainly living in Jaisalmer & Barmer districts of western Rajasthan. Their main Jajmans are Bhati Rajputs of Jaisalmer. They have folk composition for every occasion and the main instruments used by them are Kamayacha, Surinda and Murla.

Artist history : Some artists in this group now well known names in India and International stage. Some of these artists of International fame also features in many of publicity brouchers and calendars of Rajasthan Tourism.

Note : * Please note that Tarazoo Dance, Kalbelia Dance and Chakri Dance are very fast moving dances.

* Bhawai Dance will play by the artist on sword, nails, pieces of glass with around 10-12 pots on her head.

Langas : They are community of folk singers from Jodhpur and Barmer districts, patronized mainly by Rajput community. The “Jajmani” system in rural Rajasthan is still prevalent.

According to this system the occupational castes work only in their ‘Virit’ (which is a circle of selected families who patronize and give work / job to the occupational caste) similarly the families of the virit of the occupational caste are called ‘Jajmans’. The Jajmans of Langas invite then to perform during marriages and other festivities like child birth a.s.o. Like any other group of artists the Langas too are known for their distinct style of singing. The main instruments of Langas are Sindhi Sarangi (a very old fashioned stringed instrument almost on extinction) Khartal & Dholak. 

Ghoomar Dance

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 an amazing grace as the skirts flair slowly while the women twirl in circles. All women, young or old, participate in Ghoomar dance. As one of the traditional rituals, a bride is expected to dance Ghoomar on being welcomed to her husband's home.

Kachhi Ghodi Dance

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.

Terahtaali

A devotional form of dance practiced be the Kamad community, to honor their folk hero Baba Ramdev, it consists of women sitting on the floor before his image. Tied to various parts of their body are thirteen cymbals, which they strike with the ones they hold in their hand. Their hands perform various arabesques while they do this and for effect, they may also balance pots on their hands and hold a sword in their mouth.

Chari Dance

A dance of tribal community from HADOTI (Kotah, Baran & Jhalawar) region of Rajasthan. The Dancers are young women, colorfully dressed, wearing multi plated short skirts (Assi Kalli Ka Ghaghra). The male artists play Dholak. Chakri Dance was performed in the past to entertain the tribal chiefs and also during the community celebrations. The stamina of the dancing girls is awe inspiring and during the community celebrations the performance can go on through out the night. The artists of this group have performed in some foreign countries.

Tarazoo is Traditional Balance machine. Artist takes it in his/her hands, dance fastly and moves with Tarazoo in fast rounds. Dance start slowly but it becomes fast as accompanied by the rhythm of the Drum. Its very attractive dance.