Why Muslim Langas sing Hindu bhajans

It's a rare performance, in fact a cannot-miss. The NCPA has shipped over 60 folk artists from Rajasthan to perform this evening at what's likely to be nothing short of a spectacle

It's a rare performance, in fact a cannot-miss. The NCPA has shipped over 60 folk artists from Rajasthan to perform this evening at what's likely to be nothing short of a spectacle

Dr Suvarnalata Rao, Programming Head of Indian Music and Research Scientist at the NCPA, is thrilled that the centre has managed to coordinate the Herculean task of assembling over 60 folk artists from Rajasthan for this evening's programme, which she hopes "will get Mumbai to appreciate the culture that foreigners go to such pains to seek". India, with itsu00a0 incredible wealth of traditionu00a0every region boasts of ethnic groupsu00a0 with unique set of traditions, distinct beliefs, cuisine, culture and its own brand of music and dance styles. "We've started with Rajasthan, and we hope to bring in artists from Gujarat and South India next."

Behind the beat

Vinod Joshi, Regional Manager of the Jaipur Virasat Foundation, was so interested in the traditions of Rajasthan that when he was receiving his Masters in Social Anthropology at the Rajasthan University, he researched the Kalbeliya community, one of the groups to perform at NCPA. Saturday's performances will revolve around male-oriented songs and dances, Joshi says. "Thirty-six episodes about the legend of Pabuji, a Rajasthani folk-deity are depicted on a painting. The sacred painting is displayed while a female singer points to the picture as she sings during a performance that's watched with reverence by members of the Bhopa community." Though you aren't likely to get a glimpse of the sacred scroll this evening, you can catch Bhanwari Devi sing about the folk hero. The Chakri Nritya performance displays the tradition in some Rajput villages where girls were and are especially raised and trained to lead wedding processions while dancing.u00a0 Saturday's show opens with Nirgun Bhajans, which Joshi says, "Were the heartfelt prayers of members of the Maghwal group, all untouchables. Their songs reflect their pain as they pray to a superpower that loves everyone equally." The members of the Langa and Manganiyar communities, although Muslim, sing traditional Hindu bhajans since their patrons were, and still are elite Hindus. These communities serve as genealogists, and not only perform bhajans at every auspicious occasion but also maintain their family history.

Joshi mentions Jumma Khan next, telling us about his unique musical instrument called the Bhapang, and that he employs traditional music to sing about the accomplishments of Indian women, hoping that the blend of contemporary and traditional will serve to change the mindset of rural communities where women still have little or no relevance.

Drag-queen tradition

"Look out for the male dancers from Tonk," Joshi suggests. Equipped with all the grace, mannerism and costumes of women, it's almost impossible to make out that these are men in a woman's garb.

At: Experimental Theatre, National Centre for the Performing Arts, Nariman Point. On March 21 at 6.30 pm. Call: 22824567

WIN 6 FREE PASSES

Which group sings the Nirgun Bhajans? Mail us your correct answer by 3 pm theguide@mid-day.com and you could win 6 free passes to the Rajasthani Extravaganza this evening. 3 winners will be selected through a random draw, and will be contacted on the phone. Passes can be collected from NCPA itself