If you thought Rajasthan is all about colossal forts, stately palaces and golden sands, then think again. The culture of Rajasthan is also quite impressive and the folk dances of Rajasthan form an indispensable part of it. The hospitable people of Rajasthan are also known for their unmatched dance performances that leave the tourists amazed. Every district of Rajasthan has its own folk dance forms that are quite fascinating with the vibrant and dynamic body movements. Moreover, the colorful attires of the dances blended with vigorous folk music transform the barren land into a colorful paradise of stately charm.

Some of the famous dance forms of Rajasthan are:
Bhavai: It is one of the most spectacular dance forms of Rajasthan in which the women dancers with veils balance up to seven or nine brass pitchers over their head as they dance gracefully, swaying with the soles of their feet settled on the top of a glass or on the rim of the sword.

Chari: It is one of the most impressive folk dances of Rajasthan involving graceful hand and foot movements whilst balancing brass pots on the heads of the dancers. To provide a dramatic effect to the dance, the dancers place ignited cottonseed on the brass pot.

Gair: This magnificent dance is performed by both men and women. Men are dressed in long, pleated tunic that opens out into full-length skirts. The movement involves first in clockwise then anti-clockwise direction beating their sticks to produce the tempo when they turn. This dance is performed at the time of Holi, the fedtival of colors, and it has two versions being the Dandi Gair of the Marwar region and the Geendad belonging to the Shekhawati region.

Ghoomar: It is actually a community dance of the Rajputs performed by the women and it is marked by simple swaying movements with outstanding grace provided by the elegance of the skirt when the women move in circles. The face of the dancers is covered by a veil. According to the customs, a bride is supposed to dance Ghoomar on being received at her husband's home.

Kachhi Ghodi: This is also one of the remarkable folk dances of Rajasthan and has its origin in the Shekhawati region. The primary motive of this dance performance is the amusement of the bridegroom's party. The performers are clad in elaborate costumes and dance as if riding on a dummy horse. The dance involves sham fights, swinging of swords and graceful body movement to the rhythmic music of flutes and drums.

Kalbeliya: It is an opulent dance form of Rajasthan performed by the Kalbeliyas, the community of snake charmers. The performers are dressed in long, black skirt adorned with sliver ribbons. They turn in circles with startling flexibility and the tempo increases gradually, producing a trance effect.

The Rajasthani folk dances are in-fact an account of the region’s culture, customs, traditions and nature of the people. Witnessing these dance performances is going to be an extraordinary experience.

Touristplacesinindia.com offers online information on folk dances of Rajasthan and also offers useful inputs on the Rajasthani cuisine.