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Music in Jamnagar

Culture is something that depicts the way and importance of life and passes through generations. It teaches you to live and enjoy being part of a community, giving you identity. It is therefore very important to respect and understand it. The city of Jamnagar has treasured the traditional wealth of folk music by Charans and Gadhavis, a community that established this art as their ancestral profession.

Music Dance and Drama in Jamnagar

Music in Jamnagar: An Overview

Lullabies, Rannade songs, Festive songs and Nuptial songs are the various forms of folk songs sung in Gujarat. Every song has a significance based on the occasion it is being sung in. Marsias is very different type of song that is sung while mourning for a death. Similarly, there is temple music which was introduced as a special variety by the Vaishnavas of Gujarat. Bhavai presents a beautiful blend of Gujarati folk music and drama that is practiced in open grounds of villages and their temples by various communities like Bhojakas, Taragalas hailing from Northern parts of Gujarat. The word 'Bhavai' refers to the Sanskrit word "Bhava" that means 'expression of emotion'. The Bhavai drama is full of excitement in the form of a lengthy performance that lasts the entire night. In the performance various "veshas" are practiced in the open area, instead of any particular stage.

Music, Dance and Drama in Jamnagar

The dances of Jamnagar are no different from the traditional Gujarati dances. Gujarat has a unique distinction of having a legendary origin of folk dance forms. Rasa, a form of dance originated from the Kutch and Suarashtra reagions of Gujarat. Today, it is practiced all over the state. This form of dance has been practiced since the Puranic era. It depicts the city of Jamnagar of ancient times when the Rasa Nritya used to be performed and it still it, only the manners have changed. Travelling through various eras, the dance form has seen some changes that can be seen in different areas, where it is performed. These dances reveal ancient Jamnagar.

Let's take a look at what those are:
  • The Garba and Garbi of Mataji The Goddess
  • Dandiya Raas
  • Raas of Aayar, Mer, Bharvad and Padhar

  • Ghoriya Raas

  • Sword Raas
  • Mashira Nritya of Siddis
  • Tippani
Swords Raas of Gallants  are again categorized as follows:Matki Nritya
  • Ashwa Nritya
  • Titodo
  • Luvar and Adivasi dances

  • Hinch

  • Hsnichi

  • Jag Nritya

Musical Instruments used in Performances

During dance performances as also during vocal performances, the musical instruments used are Percussion Instruments like Nagaru, Tabla, Dholak, Khol, etc. Pava, Shanai, Morli, Zanz, Ektaro, Kartal, Gughra, Ravanhattho, Manjira, Duf, Kansijoda, Khanjari, Shankh, Mukhchang, Bhungal etc. The folk dances of adivasis or tribal dances are Tur, Bhajania, Thali, Dobru, Chchkya, Ghanglo, Dhako, Dhunak, Vahali, Tadku, Robi, Pavri, Kahdo etc.

As in entire Gujarat, the Navratri Festival is celebrated in full fervor in Jamnagar. People come here from various parts of world to enjoy the festivities.

Enjoying the blend of rituals and beliefs, wearing traditional attires and dancing to the lively music, the festival is celebrated in true spirit. The devotees stay on fast for nine days singing the songs of Mother Goddess, chanting Her holy name. They offer prayers and Prasad to Maa Durga, the symbol of Shakti. Jamnagar serves as a site for two fairs, one at the exhibition ground for one month of Shravan and the other is a four-day affair on the banks of Rangmati River. Both are organized by the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation. These fairs have been celebrated since two decades now and around 2 Lakh tourists visit here every year. Apart from being a part of these colorful events, people also enjoy shopping and gorging on delicious food. They enjoy rides and watching out all the wonderful scene around. The festive season lets all enjoy together.

Apart from local traditions and festivities, people also enjoy festivities of Christmas and New Year. They enjoy it in a different way playing all sorts of western music including pop music, Hip Hop, Jazz; not only this, they also enjoy the fusion music like Indi-Pop. These days fusion music is very much the in-thing and people love it in various occasions or even in cultural events. Yet they do not forget their own cultural aspects and maintain a good balance between both kinds.

Explore more about Culture of Jamnagar

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