Chari Dance of Rajasthan

Chari Dance of Rajasthan: A Celebration of Women, Balance, and Strength.

Chari Dance is a folk dance performed by women in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a unique and challenging dance that requires a great deal of balance and skill. The dance is performed with a brass pot (chari) with fire in it balanced on the head, and the dancers move gracefully in a circle, twirling and spinning while keeping the pot perfectly balanced.

The Chari dance is thought to have originated centuries ago, when women in Rajasthan would have to carry heavy pots of water on their heads for long distances. The dance is a celebration of the strength and resilience of these women, and it is also a way to show off their skills and grace.

The Chari dance is typically performed at festivals and celebrations, such as weddings, childbirth, and religious holidays. It is also performed as a form of entertainment for tourists and visitors.

Costumes and Props

The Chari dancers typically wear traditional Rajasthani costumes, which are brightly colored and heavily embellished. They also wear jewelry, such as necklaces, earrings, and bangles.

Different Styles of Chari Dance

There are two main styles of Chari dance: the Gujjar Chari and the Meena Chari.

The Gujjar Chari is the more popular of the two styles. It is performed by women from the Gujjar community of Rajasthan. The Gujjar Chari is a very energetic and acrobatic dance. The dancers perform a variety of difficult twirls and spins, and they often jump and leap into the air.

The Meena Chari is a more graceful and feminine dance. It is performed by women from the Meena community of Rajasthan. The Meena Chari is characterized by its smooth, flowing movements. The dancers rarely jump or leap, and they focus on keeping the pot perfectly balanced on their heads.

Future of the Chari Dance

The Chari dance is a living tradition, and it is still performed by women in Rajasthan today.

These Shots are from '26th Lokrang-2023 Festival' presented by Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur.

From October 29 to November 8, 2023

National Folk Dance Festival

(Daily from 7:00 pm onwards)

And

National Handicraft Fair

(Shilpagram, daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm)