Rajasthan has been from times immemorial a safe haven for folk culture. Folk culture has thrived in this area surrounding the Thar Desert. Folk art has always been an integral part of the Rajasthani culture. With graceful moves and colourful attires the dancers of Rajasthan narrate various stories. Some of these are related to the myths while are simple love stories, for instance, presented in an interesting way. Besides Ghoomar, Gair, Kathputli, Fire dance there are other folk dances too. These are as popular as these and equally enjoyable.
Chari: Originally this dance form belongs to Ajmer and Kishangarh regions. Yhe main theme of the dance is to shoe the long distances the women of Rajasthan have to cover to fetch water. The colorfully dressed and bejeweled women with veils choreograph graceful hand movements and gentle steps. The lighted lamps placed on the brass pots are well balanced on their heads. To make the dance look more charming streaks of illuminated patterns are created as the dancers move gently around the floor.
Bhavai: This dance form is one of the magnificent performances. Women dancers wear veils and then they balance themselves atop 7 to 9 brass pitchers. It is a fascinating piece of dance. It takes a lot of practice and perfection to perform this dance. Such dance froms are exclusive to Rajasthan.
Kachchi Ghodi: This is a dummy horse dance. Hence the name Kachhi Ghodi. It is one of the popular folk dances in Rajasthan. This is a welcome dance performed to entertain the bridegroom`s party. A dancer gets into the elaborate gear of a prancing horse. Holding naked swords, these dancers move rhythmically to the beating of drums and fifes. A singer narrates the exploits of the Bavaria bandits of Shekhawati.
Terah Taali: This dance is mainly performed by the Kamar tribe. They are the devotees of Baba Ramdeo. During this dance performance they perform bhajans with the help of musical instruments called manjiras. These manjiras are tied to the body parts of the women singers. This music for this dance consists of striking thirteen (terah in Hindi) cymbals tied to dancer`s arms and legs with the ones they hold in their hands. These are accompanied by the music and playing of Chautara by men. The women also balance earthen or brass pitchers on their and hold a sword in their mouth while the hands perform various graceful movements.
