AIR-March-2009

DESCRIPTION OF RAJASTHANI FOLK:
Rajasthan is a vibrant patchwork of rich extensive tradition in art and culture, which reflects Indian way life. Most of the folk art forms and folk dances have been passed down from one generation to the other. Folk arts and folk dances and of course the clothes and dresses worn by the people form an inseparable part of the culture and traditions of Rajasthan. An equally rich and varied folk culture from villages is both fascinating & mesmerizing. Rajasthani cultural tapestry takes in simple folk to highly cultivated classical music and dance in its own distinct style.
Over the years settlers in this desert land have added color and brightness to their life with colorful costumes, jewelry, dance and music. They are also a reflection of the indomitable spirit of the Rajasthani’s who have learnt to enjoy themselves even in the harshest of conditions. The state also glows with its historic past of royalty and magnificence.

Rajasthani Folk In Brief:
Authentic in origin, essence of Rajasthan, showcases the oldest traditions of the desert life of Rajasthan, fortifying the message of love and friendship through the art of dance and music.

Rajasthani Folk is packaged with the following dances:
Chari Nritya, Bhawai Nritya, Kachi Godhi, Ghoomer, Agni Nirtya, Gramin Bhavai, Nagin Nritya, Kathputli, Kalbeliya, Banjara Nirtya
Rajasthani Folk Musical Instruments:
The musical instruments of Rajasthan are simple but quite unusual. Handcrafted by the musicians themselves they are rather unique.
Ercussion         : Dholak, Nagara.
Autophonic       : Ghanta Thali, Ghungroo, Khartaal.
String                : Sarangi,Ektara, Bhapang, Morchang.
Wind                  : Peli, Algoza, Pauri, Poongi.

Womens Attire: Odhni(Head Coth), An odhni is 10 feet long and 5 feet wide, One corner is tucked in the skirt while the other end is taken over the head and right shoulder. Pila/kanchi(Long Blouse), Ghaghra(Skirt), Lahanga(Long Skirt). The Preferred colors are bright red, dazzling yellow, lively green or brillant orange highlighted by a lavish use of sparkling gold and silver zarl or gota.

Men Attire: Pagari (turbine) – A special headgear, Angrakha/Achakan as Upper Garment, Dhoti/Pyjama as Lower Garment make up the male outfit.

PUNJABI FOLK DANCES:
Punjab is very rich in terms of dance. Folk-dances of the Punjab virtually hold a mirror to the characteristic Punjabi manliness, fortitude, forthrightness and gaiety. Folk-dances are not bound by any rigid rule. The dances are down-to-earth and devoid of all superficiality or sophistication. They are an expression of emotions through physical movements. The dancer is free to synchronize any emotion with a gesture that he finds appropriate. The folk dancer does not need any special dress or make-up. The dancers are basically so simple that virtually no preparation is required for them.
The folk-dances are secular in character. Members of different sects and creeds, irrespective of their faiths, get together and dance. The main object of the dances are fun and entertainment.
The exuberance and vitality of the people of Punjab are vigorously displayed in their folk dances. With the drum beat or to the tune of some other instrument of folk music, the energetic feet of the people of Punjab are spontaneously set in motion to give birth to a folk dance - an expression of the soul triumphant, an outburst of emotions. It’s a dance that cuts across all divisions of class and education and eventually became a part of such diverse occasions as weddings and New Year celebrations.The men and women do not dance together. They form separate groups. Folk dances are generally not the same for men and women but some dances are common to both. Punjab has many types of folkal dances, among them Bhangra and Giddha being the most famous.