Music of Gujarat

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Gujarat is a part of India, known for lively traditions of both folk and classical music. Classical musicians and composers include Faiyaz Khan, Maulabux and Pandit Omkamath along with a tradition of Haveli Sangeet.

Gujarati folk music consists of a wide variety. Some of them are Bhajans - they are categorized by theme of poetry/lyrics and by musical compositions such as Prabhati, Katari, Dhol etc. Another rich tradition is of the Baardic tradition. The Chaaran/Deviputra/Ghadhvi community who has preserved and enriched the folk tradition of story telling with/without music. This includes the forms of Duha, Sorathaa, Chhand, Bellads etc.

Gujarati folk dance includes the Raas and Garba dances, which are said to have been passed on by Krishna, who spent his childhood at Gokul, learning the flute. He also taught the folk drama Bhavai. Other dances include Dangi Nritya, Tippani Nritya, Padhar Nrritya and Siddi.

The Garba is a simple dance which involves clockwise and counter-clockwise movements. It is a very beautiful method of prayer. The Ras is an extremely complicated dance performed by a group in a circle, to a rhythm marked by sticks (dandias), accompanied by voices, shehnai, flute, zanz, dhol or cymbals. The Garba (Garba Nritya) is a circle dance performed by women at festivals like Holi, Vasant Panchmi, Navaratri and Sharad Purnima.

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