Folk arts include folk songs, folk plays, folk dances, folk instruments and folk paintings. These folk arts are the life and soul of our culture. They are the source of our entertainment.
Folk Plays (Natyas):
Ramlila and Raslila in the folk language by the folk artists are very popular in Mewar, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli and Jaipur. In Bikaner and Jaisalmer, Rammat is famous as a folk play. Rammat means to stage the historical and religious Kavya creations of celebrated folk Nayak and great men. The known creators of these Rammatas are Maniram Vyas, Fagu Maharaj, the Sua Maharaj, Tej Kavi etc.
In Marwar the religion and Veer Ras v dominated narration Khyals are being traditionally staged and the important of them are Amar Singh’s Khyat, Ruthi-raniRo-Khyal, Raja Harish Chandra Khyal etc. Bhawai plays have their own uniqueness. The characters here are satirical spokesmen. Its main characteristics are dialogue, singing, humour and dance. Gavari of Mewar is a dance drama which is staged for one month 8 days from Raksha Bandhan.
Gavari:
As regards instrumental discourses, presentation and lok cultural symbols, the Gavari of Mewar is extraordinary. Its origin is believed to be associated with the Shiva – Bhasmasur Katha/ Its performances begin from the day next to Raksha Bandhan. It is played or staged for VA months. It dominates in the Bhil culture. This festival reflects the Pauranic and social influence on the tribal caste.
In Gavari there are male characters. Most known Gavari plays are Ganpati KaanGujari, Jogi, Lakha, Banjara etc.
I. Folk Dances:
(а) Gair Dance:
This is the Holi festival dance of the tribal areas. The Bhil males dressed in Angrakha, dhoti and turban holding sticks in their hands dance in the circular movements. They are accompanied by the musical instruments as Thali, Dol and Bankiya.
b) Geedar Dance:
The people of the Shekhawati region celebrate holi for a week from the day of transplanting the holi stick. The mates are dressed in the vibrant dresses sing with the beat of Nangara, with two small sticks in their hands. This is called the Geedar dance.
(c) Dol Dance:
It is the popular dance of the Marusthali region, Jalore. The Mali, Doli, the Sargara and the Bhils perform the Dol dance in the Thakana style on the marriage occasion.
(d) Baman Dance:
The people of Alwar and Bharatpur perform Baman dance to enjoy the Falgun celebrations. They beat Tomtom (Tymbol) with two big sticks.
(e) Ghoomar Dance:
It is the most popular dance of Rajasthan, performed by the females on the auspicious occasions. They perform this dance in the circular movement and are accompanied by trumpet, clarionet, accordion etc.
(f) Garba Dance:
It is the devotional dance performed by women. It is very popular in Gujarat. In Rajasthan it is very popular in Dungarpur and Banswara.
(g) Other Folk Dances:
They are Angara dance of Jasnaathi Siddhs, Bhils, Rye dance, Grasias valar dance, Kalbelia dance of Kalbelia tribe. The famous professional dances are Bhawai and Terah Taali dances.
II. Folk Songs:
They are mainly Khelan-Do-Gangaur, Mhari Ghoomar Che Nakhrali a-Mai, Chirmi etc.
III. Folk Instruments:
They have their own significance and a dance without being accompanied by the musical instruments is incomplete. A few among the popular instruments of Rajasthan are Ravana Hattha, Tandoora, Nagara, Teen-Tara, Yogia Sarangi, Pungi and Bhapang.
IV. Folk Paintings:
1. Pathvari: These are the paintings portrayed on the place in the village, adored as ‘Path Rakshak’.
2. Paana: They are the paintings which are engraved on the paper in Rajasthan.
3. Mandana: It is a tradition of drawing Mandanas in the form of geometrical circles, squares or irregular oblique lines on the place of worship on the occasion of festivals and auspicious ceremonies.
4. Phad: It is the art of making paintings on clothes.
5. Sanji: It is made with cowdung in the courtyard pavilion or place of worship of the house.
