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Each region has its own folk
entertainment, interestingly enough, even the musical
instruments are different. The people of Rajasthan live life to
the hilt. After hard working the harsh desert sun whenever they
take time off they let themselves go in gay abandon. There is
dancing singing, drama devotional music and puppet shows.
Professional performers like the Bhaats, Dholis, Mirasis, Nats,
Bhopas and Bhands are omnipresent across the state. Some of the
better known forms of entertainment are:
Maand: Rajasthan’s most sophisticated style of Folk music and courts, in
praise of the Rajput rulers. Professional singers still sing the
haunting ballads of Moomal-Mahendra, Dhola-Maru and other
legendry lovers and heroes. The singing performers also include
the Mirasis and Jogis of Mewat, Manganiyars and Langas, Kanjars,
Banjaras and Dholies. Performances like the Kuchamani, Maach,
Tamasha, Nautanki and Raasleela are the most popular. The
musical instruments of Rajasthan are simple but quite unusual,
the material used is shells of dried gourds for string and wind
instruments, thick stem is generally used for flutes and baked
clay pots used for drums.
Pabuji ki Phad: A 14th
century folk hero, Pabuji is revered by the Bhopa community. The
phad, or scroll, which is about 10mtr long, highlights the life
heroic deed of Pabuji. The Bhopas are invited by villagers to
perform in their areas during times of sickness and misfortune.
The ballad is sung by the Bhopa as he plays the Ravan-hattha and
he is joined by his wife who holds lamp and illuminates the
relevant portion at appropriate points.
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