Rajasthan, folk music is indulged in by one and all. The traditional music of Rajasthan is also religiously significant. The music is melodious and has a rustic touch to it. Most religious songs are based on famous saints and spiritual leaders like Kabirdas, Surdas and Meerabai. Rajasthani music is all about very traditional themes and ballads and most songs revolve around the heroic tales of the wars fought by legendary heroes. Read on further to know about Rajasthan music.

Rajasthan is famous for its puppet shows and the show is incomplete without songs. The folk songs are the most popular in Rajasthan. The themes vary from situation to situation. Since Rajasthan is a desert state, water is a scarce. Most women, while going to fetch water sing songs that revolve around the significance of water. These specific songs that relate to the importance of water are known as "Panihari". Some songs are based on the theme of two lovers meeting unexpectedly. Some folk songs are sung to depict the insensitive mother-in-laws and sister-in-laws.

The music of Rajasthan is rich and diverse like the state itself. The music has not lost its identity and still maintains its traditional style intact. The songs that have been sung since ancient times are still sung today with the same passion and melody. The music is also influenced from nearby states like Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana and Mewar. You may often find that the accent or dialect of a particular state like Gujarat or Punjab is used in the musical styles of Rajasthan.

The voices of the singers, both male and female, are very powerful and sound absolutely refined. The lively and joyous rhythmic music is a delight to hear. Each and every festival has its own set of songs and there is not a single occasion where songs are not sung, be it childbirth or even the rare rains. These songs make the dull and harsh life of Rajasthan bearable and worth living. They infuse color and brightness into the ruthless living conditions of Rajasthan.

Dances

The traditional dances of Rajasthan are absolutely colorful and lively and have their own significance and importance. In Rajasthan, folk dances are the highlights of any celebration and festivity. The simple yet expressive dances of Rajasthan are enjoyed by one and all. Each and every detail regarding the costumes, make up and the way of expression are taken care of. Each dancer is skilled in his/her own way and each person has a unique style of performing it. These Rajasthani dances have been performed since very old times and thus are significant historically also. Given here are some popular forms of Rajasthan dances.

Ghoomar Dance

The Ghoomar is the most popular form of Rajasthani dance. Women perform this dance during auspicious events and occasions. The name Ghoomar is derived from the word "Ghoomna", which means twirling. The colorful skirts known as "Ghagra" look stunningly when they gracefully sway while the women dance.

Gair Dance

This dance is basically a tribal dance and is performed by both men and women. Gair dance is performed during Holi festival and is a very lively dance. The dress is basically a long tunic that opens out as a skirt. The dance beats are given by sticks to maintain the rhythm.

Bhavai Dance

The Bhavai dance is a very difficult dance and only highly skilled dancers perform this dance. It is a very impressive and stunning dance and one of the most popular dances of Rajasthan. The dance basically involves women dancers who balance eight to nine brass pitchers on their heads and dance softly and twirl slowly. All this, while balancing themselves firmly on the edge of a sword or on a glass!

Chari Dance

The Chari dance is basically a village dance, which is performed to express happiness when the villagers go in search of water and find it. The dancers choreograph the dance and many subtle patterns are formed by hands. The dancers are supposed to balance brass pots on their heads while performing this dance gracefully. Cottonseeds set aflame are placed on the topmost pot so that the movement of the heads causes the flames to form brilliant patterns.