Art Forms of Gujarat | Gujarat State PSC (GPSC) Preparation: All subjects - GPSC (Gujarat) PDF Download

Gujarat’s Folk Culture and Oral Tradition: Its Importance, Peculiarities and Impact

• Gujarat takes its name from 'Gujjar Rashtra' and showcases a blend of various ethnic groups.
• The diverse culture of Gujarat is deeply rooted in Indian traditions, encompassing both local and foreign practices.
• The Gujarati culture is a mix of many traditions, beliefs, customs, arts, and values, along with a touch of modernization.
• About 20% of Gujarat's population consists of tribal and indigenous communities.
• These diverse groups contribute to a rich and versatile Gujarati culture, reflected in the state's unique dance forms, festivals, lifestyle, and cuisine.
• Despite being highly industrialized, Gujarat has effectively preserved its cultural and traditional heritage over the years.
• Explore the multifaceted Gujarati culture to understand its various aspects.
• The state of Gujarat is famous for its music contributions.
• Several ragas like Khambavati (from Khambhat, Cambay), Gujaqri Todi Bilaval (from Veraval), Sorathi (from Sorath), Lati, and Ahiri originated in this region.
• Renowned musicians Baiju Bawra and Tana Riri are associated with Gujarat.
• The state maintains traditional Charans and Gadhavis folk music.
• Noteworthy folk instruments such as Jantar, Bungal, Turi, and string-type Ravan Hattho have been developed in Gujarat.

Fairs & Festivals

• During different events and celebrations, numerous visitors come every year from around the world to experience the diverse cultural heritage of this region of India.
• Some major festivals in Gujarat, like Rathyatra, Navratri Mahotsav, International Kite festival, Holi, and Deepawali, are celebrated with immense enthusiasm.
• Key fairs in Gujarat include Bhadra Purnima Fair, Shamlaji Melo, and Mahadev Fair.
• All these elements contribute to the varied and rich Gujarati culture reflected in its way of life.
• Despite advancements and industrialization, Gujarat has managed to preserve its rich cultural and traditional heritage of dance and art that has been a part of the region for a very long time.

Music

• Gujarati folk music is very diverse and known as sugam sangeet.
• Instruments in Gujarati folk music include wind instruments like turi, pava, bungal, string instruments like ravan hattho, ektaro, and jantar, and percussion instruments like manjira and zanz pot drum.
• The songs consist of bhajans which are classified based on their lyrics and musical styles such as katari, prabhati, dhol, etc.
• Another significant aspect of Gujarat's folk music is the baardic tradition.
• The Deviputra/Chaaran/Ghadhvi community has preserved and enhanced the storytelling folk tradition, sometimes with music and sometimes without.
• Traditional forms include doha, chhand, sorathaa, bellads, etc.

5 popular folk dances from Gujarat

Bhavai

• The name Bhavai comes from the Sanskrit word "Bhava," which means emotions or feelings.
• Bhavai drama is a type of performance that goes on all night without any stage props. It deals with social issues in a satirical manner.
• Traditionally, women do not participate in Bhavai; instead, male actors take on female roles.
• It is said that Bhavai originated from Asait, a Brahmin from northern Gujarat.
• Bhavai performances usually take place outdoors and are inspired by events in the lives of everyday people.

Dandiya

• This dance form depicts a pretend battle between Goddess Durga and the demon-king Mahishasura.
• During dandiya, dancers perform intricate footwork and arm movements to the beat of the dhol drum.
• The sticks (dandiyas) used in the dance symbolize Durga's swords.
• Women wear traditional attire like colorful embroidered choli and ghagra, while men don special turbans and kedias.
• Garba is typically done before Aarti as a tribute to the Goddess, while Dandiya follows as part of the festivities.

Garba

• Garba is a type of dance originating from the Sanskrit words Garbha (meaning womb) and Deep (meaning lamp).
• Traditional garba involves dancing around a central lamp or Goddess Shakti, with circular and spiral movements resembling spiritual dances like those in Sufi culture.
• Usually performed during Navratri, garba's movements symbolize the life cycle from birth to death, focusing on Goddess Shakti as the constant element.
• The dance signifies that amidst a world in constant flux, the feminine form of God in Garba remains a consistent presence.

Padhar

• Padhar dance is a significant traditional dance from Gujarat, performed by the Padhar Community.
• The Padhar people follow Hinduism and worship various forms of Goddess Durga.
• During the Padhar dance, participants are filled with excitement and enthusiasm.
• The dance involves a lot of enjoyment, music, and dancing.

Tippani

•  Tippani folk dance from Gujarat originates from Chorwad district. It involves women by the seaside hitting the ground with sticks and chanting while others dance. Using simple musical instruments like Thali, they create music. The dance reflects the monotony caused by their men's long journeys to the sea. 
•  This dance is a part of the lively folk dance styles in Gujarat. It begins slowly but gains speed as the dancers take turns striking the floor. Towards the end, all women sit in rows and rapidly hit the ground. 
•  The dancers wear costumes consisting of a short coat called Kedia with snug sleeves.