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Captivating Rajasthani nite
GUDIPOODI SRIHARI
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Bhutte Khan Manganiar troupe from Barmer, brought alive the traditions of Rajasthan.
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Balancing act The Bhawai dancer
Rajasthan, the city of colours is also known for its colourful folk dances. The audience, which gathered at V.V. Function Hall in Koti got an opportunity to witness these folk dances, thanks to a ‘Rajasthani Nite’ organised by Swaranjali
and Alpha Foundation last week. The group which performed on the occasion was Bhutte Khan Manganiar troupe from Barmer, Rajasthan, and its members included vocalists Bhutte Khan, Multan Khan and Nehru Khan. The trio were supported by instrumentalists Jassu Khan (Kartaal), Shamshuddin (Sarangi), Channan Khan (Kamaicha), Habeeb Khan (Algoja and Morchang) and Papa Khan ( Dholak) . Indira and Seema were the Kalbeliya and Bhawai dancersproviding a visual treat with their brisk body movements. Bhutte Khan Manganiar troupe is a professional group and it is said that there are many such troupes in Rajasthan which travel in towns and villages performing the folk art.
The Manganiar community is said to have been patronised by the kings of Western Rajasthan in the past. Now, they perform before Hindu j
agirdars. While Sarangi is a well known and virile instrument, Kamaicha is also a rare stringed instrument like a bowed Rabab that is passed on from one generation to the other. Algoja is a wind instrument, while Morchang is like a Jewish harp. Khartaal is a kind of castanets, made of teak wood, and the artistes hold them in both hands and perform with tremendous ease. A young man’s Karthal play holding it in his hands was a thrill to watch for the way he created complex percussion sounds, while his partner was playing the dholak. What was interesting was the fact that the members sang even as they played their instruments.
While Sarangi created a great musical atmosphere, other stringed instruments played in tandem with it added to the effect.. The concert was based on folk music , but at times it sounded like classical Hindustani music. The programme began with a solo performance by Habeeb Khan on the Morchang. This was followed with a traditional welcome song Kesariya Balam Padharo Mhare Desh, set in Raga Mand. Then, the folk singers rendered Gorbundh in Raga Kalyan, which is sung when the bridegroom goes on a decorated camel to see his bride. . The next item Radha Rani was a bit comical where Krishna asks Radha to return his flute that she stole from him. However, the highlight of the evening was the balancing act performed by a Bhawai dancer Seema. She balanced many pots on her head and even as the gathering watched in awe, she made it look very simple. Indira performed a Kalbeliya dance wherein she bent backwards to lift a currency note with her mouth. It was followed by a solo bit by Habeeb Khan on his Algoja.
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Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
|
