2009 July 12

Archive for July 12, 2009

Gair Dance of Rajasthan - An Inevitable Part of Rajasthani Culture

Gair is one of the most beautiful dances of Rajasthan. There are several variations to perform this picturesque dance, which is performed by both the men and women of Rajasthan.

Gair Dance of Rajasthan

Gair basically means circle or round. It is performed in a circle and that is how it has got its name.

Dance Attractions

The Bhil folk perform this dance by wearing colorful dresses and carrying swords, arrows and sticks.

The men wear long, pleated tunics that are open out into the full-length skirts. Firstly they move clockwise and then in anti-clockwise direction, with the tempo of striking sticks, so as to create the rhythm at the time of turning.

It is believed by the locals that this dance must have got some significance to war.

Swinging With the Beat

The sticks used in the dance are called Khanda. These sticks are very attractive and catches every eye. The sticks play vital role in the dance. They are very thin and does not carry much of weight and give a flare look.

The striking of the sticks gives the dance a vigorous character & a consistent tempo.

Sometimes, it is performed exclusively by men folk. At that time, a series of half-swirls make up a simpler version of the dance. Depending on the dancer’s ability & proficiency, it is danced with a series of intricate pattern steps.

Famous Dance of Bhil Community of Rajasthan

This dance is famous and performed mostly by all the communities but it is more famous of Bhil Community which is performed at the festival of Holi. Some of its variations are the Dandi Gair found in the Marwar region and Geendad found in the Sehkhawati region of Rajasthan.

Tweet This Post