Rajasthani Folklore: Immerse in the Culture of Jodhpur and Bikaner

Rajasthan is the enchanting land of unique traditions, where every corner tells the tales of its beauty and spectacle. Amidst the broad Thar Desert, two cities stand tall, providing a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Rajasthani folklore, i.e., Jodhpur and Bikaner. 

With their magnificent forts, sophisticated palaces, and stories passed down through generations, Rajasthan is one of the best places to travel. If you are travelling from Delhi and have a long waiting time for your flight to take off, book a hotel near Delhi Airport T3 (Terminal 3) (Super Airport Hotel Anshu, Super OYO Hotel The Miraj, etc.) and rest. Afterwards, you can continue with your trip to Jodhpur and Bikaner in Rajasthan.

 

Read on to know more about the beauty of Rajasthan.

 

Rajasthani Folklore

Rajasthan can also be called the “Land of Kings.” It is a culturally rich state in India known for its vibrant folk traditions and folklore. Its rich cultural heritage includes impressive music, dances, historical architecture, festivals and places of worship. There are several dialects spoken in Rajasthan, such as Harauti, Dhundhari, and Marwari, etc. Rajasthani folklore comprises narratives, songs, dances, and art forms passed down through generations. Examples of this folklore are:

• Pabuji Ki Phad is an epic folk narrative that revolves around the heroic deeds of a folk deity named Pabuji. It is traditionally depicted on a large cloth scroll called “phad” and is accompanied by musical recitations.
• Ghoomar is a popular traditional dance form performed by Rajasthani women. They wear colourful traditional attire, including ghagras (long skirts) and others (veils) and do graceful movements, twirling, and spinning.
• Maand is a traditional style of folk music in Rajasthan. Soulful singing accompanied by musical instruments characterises it. The lyrics of Maand often depict stories of love, bravery, and local heroes.
• Bhopa-Bhopi is a pair of traditional Rajasthani performers who narrate and sing the stories of folk heroes. The Bhopa, usually a male performer, plays the “ravanhattha” and recites the narrative, while the Bhopi, a female performer, accompanies him with clapping and singing.

 

Historic Culture of Jodhpur

Jodhpur is located in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. This enchanting city has many traditions and cultures, making it a top sightseeing destination for tourists worldwide. 

Jodhpur has beautiful forts, lakes, palaces, and other architectural wonders. The cultural aspects of Jodhpur include:

• Language and Religion: The locals in Jodhpur speak Hindi, Marwari, and other Rajasthani dialects. Additionally, Hinduism is the main religion practised in Jodhpur. Religions like Jainism, Islam and Sikhism are also practised.
• Folklore, Music and Dance: The folk music and dance forms of Jodhpur show the vibrant traditions and folklore of Rajasthan. The Langas or Manganiyars, traditional musicians, are known for their soulful renditions of folk songs. Some popular dance forms performed during festivals and celebrations in Jodhpur include Kalbelia and Ghoomar.
• Festivals: Jodhpur celebrates different festivals. The major festival celebrated in Jodhpur is Marwar Festival. It is a festival dedicated to the folk music and dance of the region. It showcases the artistic talents of local musicians, dancers, and artisans. Another popular festival celebrated here is the Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival.

 

Pristine Culture of Bikaner

Bikaner is a city in north India. It is on the east of the border with Pakistan. The Thar Desert encircles it. The people of Bikaner are cultural, fun-loving and cheerful. They are commonly seen in their traditional wear, especially men having turbans on their heads. Some cultural aspects of Bikaner include:

• Festivals: Festivals play a significant role in the culture of Bikaner. One of the most celebrated festivals in Bikaner is Camel Festival. It is held in January. The festival showcases traditional Rajasthani folk dances, camel races, and cultural performances. Other celebrated festivals of Bikaner are Gangaur Festival, Kolayat Fair and Karni Mata Fair, etc.
• Music and Dance: Music and dance are important to Bikaner’s cultural heritage. Folk music and dance performances are popular in the region. Examples of these dances are the famous Kalbelia dance performed by the snake charmers’ community.
• Turban Culture: Bikaner is renowned for its distinct turban culture. Men in Bikaner traditionally wear bright and ornate turbans. These turbans are seen as a symbol of honour, dignity, and status. The turban-tying styles vary based on social status and occasions.
• Folklore and Literature: Bikaner has a rich folklore tradition, with numerous stories, legends, and ballads passed down through generations. The city has yielded outstanding poets and authors contributing to Rajasthani literature.
• Cuisine: Bikaner’s cuisine mainly consists of dry dishes. Tasty dishes include papad, gatte ki sabji, and mangodi, etc. The desserts of Bikaner are also quite tasty to have.

 

Conclusion

Engaging in the rich culture of Jodhpur and Bikaner is a trip into the heart of Rajasthani folk culture. Its vibrant cities offer a treasure of folktales, music, dance, and art that have been passed down through generations, keeping the heritage alive. By exploring the captivating folk performances, tourists can truly experience the essence of Rajasthani culture. 

If you are taking a flight from Delhi to Rajasthan and have a long waiting time, book your hotel near Delhi Airport T3 and relax there by indulging in different cuisines and therapeutic spas. Afterwards, you can board your flight and go to Rajasthan to dive into its rich culture.