Rajasthan : Tunes of the Dunes

The most unique offering of Rajasthan is the majestic sand dunes in the Thar desert. Set against the blue sky, the wind shaped dunes gives a magical view. The picturesque dunes in the desert are the accumulation of windblown sand marks and one of nature's most interesting and beautiful phenomena. The sand dunes keep changing colors and shapes every minute.



The shimmering sands and contoured desolation of the Thar Desert have cradled for centuries, the old folk tradition of the people of Rajasthan. The brightness of the daily life, the legends of its heroism and romance are all captured in the vibrant and evocative music of this desert land. Folk music of Rajasthan, which is rich, evocative, heroic, plaintive and joyful, comes from a tradition that is old and undisturbed.

Kesariyo Hazari :  (Download)



Moriya Aachho Bolyo :  (Download)



Gorbandh :  (Download)



In Rajasthan the folk instruments have developed according to regional settings and environment. Some folk instruments are hundreds of years old in style and are comparable to the classical music instruments in quality of music. Every instrument is still made and played according to same tradition and passion.



String instruments like Sarangi, Rawanhatha, Kamaycha and Bhapang add haunting melody to the music. Percussion instrument like Dholak, Nagara, Chang and Dhap add the rhythmic beat to joyous music. A variety of wind instruments complete the multitude of folk instruments which include, Algoja, Satara, Murla, Nad, Poongi and Shehnai. And then there are instruments like Kartaal or Morchang that are unique additions to the great repository of folk instruments as they are unlike any instruments found anywhere in the world.

Panihari :  (Download)



Ghoomar :  (Download)



Rupido :  (Download)



Rumal :  (Download)



The vast array of Rajasthani folk instruments are made ingeniously from a variety of materials. Shells of dried gourds of all shapes and sizes are used for making string instruments, stems or bamboo segments for flutes and baked clay pots for drums. Conch shells are blown to produce full, resonant sounds, sticks create rasping rhythms and ghungroos (brass bells) jingle on waists and ankles.

.. more Tunes of the Dunes coming soon.

Comments are welcome.