Why Udaipur’s Heritage celebrates Ghoomar, Bhavai & Maand folk Dances even today?
From Ghoomar’s graceful twirls to the balancing marvels of Bhavai, Udaipur’s dance traditions are living testaments to the rhythm of Mewar.
Where the City of Lakes Dances to Its Heritage
Udaipur, with its shimmering lakes and marble palaces, is often seen as a city of still beauty. But beneath that stillness lies a pulse — the sound of dholak, sarangi, and jingling ghungroos that echo through the hills of Mewar. These are not just performances; they are living threads of identity, woven by generations of artists who carry forward the stories of Rajasthan’s valour, romance, and devotion.
In Udaipur, folk music and dance aren’t confined to festivals or stages. They spill out into courtyards, temple steps, and lakeside evenings — keeping the spirit of Rajasthan’s oral and performing arts alive.
1. Ghoomar: The Royal Dance of Grace
Origin & History:
Born in the palaces of the Bhils and later embraced by Rajputana royalty, Ghoomar is Rajasthan’s most recognised dance form — a performance of joy, femininity, and devotion. The word ‘Ghoomar’ comes from ghoomna, meaning to spin — a fitting tribute to its mesmerising circular motions.
Cultural Significance:
Performed during weddings, Teej, and Holi, the Ghoomar is more than a dance — it is a ritual of bonding among women, symbolising prosperity and womanhood. Dancers wear swirling ghagras in vibrant colours that mirror the desert’s sun and sand. At the same time, the songs narrate love, longing, and celebration.
Where to Experience It:
Bagore Ki Haveli Dharohar Show, Udaipur (daily cultural performance at 7 PM)
Shilpgram Utsav, held every December — a showcase of Rajasthani folk dances from all regions.
Local wedding processions or Teej celebrations in the rural outskirts of Mewar villages.
Travel Tip: For the most authentic Ghoomar experience, visit during Gangaur Festival (March–April), when local women gather by the lakes dressed in traditional attire, singing and dancing to folk tunes.
2. Bhavai: The Balancing Dance of Skill and Devotion
Origin & History:
Bhavai originated among the Kalbelia and Jat communities, showcasing women’s strength and precision as they balance up to 11 brass pots on their heads while performing acrobatic movements. Once performed to seek blessings for rain and harvest, today Bhavai remains one of Rajasthan’s most visually dramatic dance traditions.
Cultural Significance:
Each pot symbolises endurance, faith, and grace. The dancers balance on glass, the rim of a brass plate, or even the edge of a sword — reflecting the balance of life and spirituality. The accompanying Been (snake charmer’s instrument) and dholak heighten the performance’s intensity.
Where to Experience It:
Bagore Ki Haveli, where nightly performances bring Bhavai to life against a candle-lit courtyard.
Mewar Festival, Udaipur — held in April, celebrating spring and the divine union of Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Shilpgram Museum hosts annual Bhavai showcases featuring rural artists from western Rajasthan.
Cultural Note: Many Bhavai dancers belong to families who have been performing for centuries — a living lineage of devotion and dexterity.
3. Maand: The Soulful Music of Mewar
Origin & History:
Known as the “Classical Music of Rajasthan,” Maand is a semi-classical form that emerged in the royal courts of Mewar. Influenced by Hindustani ragas yet distinct in its earthy storytelling, Maand expresses themes of love, valour, and devotion through melody.
Cultural Significance:
Maand was once sung for kings and warriors returning from battle, blending poetry with ragas like Khamaj and Desh. It stands today as a poetic reminder of Mewar’s musical sophistication.
Where to Experience It:
Maharana Kumbha Sangeet Samaroh, held annually in Udaipur, celebrates Maand singers and instrumentalists.
Udaipur World Music Festival, where Maand often merges with global fusion genres.
Local baithaks (music gatherings) hosted by families of classical musicians in the old city.
Must Listen: Seek out songs by Allah Jilai Bai, the legendary Maand singer from Bikaner who brought this art to national acclaim.
Celebrating the Living Heritage of Dance and Music
Each performance — whether it’s the swirl of a Ghoomar skirt or the haunting call of a Maand — is a reminder that Rajasthan’s history was never just written, but sung and danced. These art forms serve as oral archives of the land — preserving myths, folk tales, and ancestral wisdom.
Why You Must Experience It:
Because witnessing these performances isn’t just cultural sightseeing — it’s participation in a centuries-old dialogue between past and present. It’s about feeling the rhythm that once echoed in royal courts and now thrives in community courtyards.
Best Times to Visit for Folk Experiences
Mewar Festival (April): Processions, dances, and lakeside celebrations
Shilpgram Utsav (December): Handicrafts, rural performances, and folk music from all across Rajasthan
Dharohar Dance Show (Daily): For travellers with limited time, Bagore Ki Haveli offers a condensed yet mesmerising introduction to Rajasthani folk art
