Enchanting Folk Music of Rajasthan

Folk Musician Playing Ravanhatta
I remember my childhood days when in the lonely afternoons, I used to run to the balcony hearing folk music played by the hawkers to attract the attention of the people in order to sell their items. Since then, I had developed an interest towards folk music and folk musical instruments. On my last visit to Rajasthan, I had a similar experience, which refreshed my childhood memory that was buried within me.

I was busy hopping from one tourist destination to another, when a sweet tune attracted my senses. I could not resist myself and started walking towards the tune, and I found one folk musician sitting on the streets and playing an instrument, which was unknown to me. Later I came to know that it is known as Ravanhatta, one of the popular folk musical instruments of Rajasthani Folk Music. But it was not so easy to play as it seemed to be. Like any other folk musical instruments, playing Ravanhatta to such fine tunes, also requires a lot of expertise. It is actually a royal string instrument that is played with the help of a bow.

Long after coming back from Rajasthan, I can still hear that sweet tune of Rajasthani folk music played by the street side folk musician. It is one of the memorable experiences of my visit to Rajasthan, which I will cherish lifelong.

Browse through the images of Picturesindia gallery to view Rajsthani folk musical instruments.