8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Venue: Veer Durga Das Memorial Park
Entry Free (note: this event is only for schools)

Kathputli – String puppetry using wooden dolls or marionettes, the kathputli is performed on a miniature stage with highly dramatic narration and music, retelling stories that reflect pertinent social concerns or the valour of erstwhile kings. Even though there are few accomplished practitioners left today, it continues to hold an iconic status in Rajasthan’s performing arts culture.

Young Rajasthani musicians – For our young audiences we present young Rajasthani traditional vocalists and musicians. Trained by their ustad, the budding young masters will share their music, while they continue to uphold the legacy of their forefathers.

Rajasthani Circus – India’s earliest circuses featured numerous traditional performing art forms from Rajasthan – acrobats, magicians, musicians, dancers and a variety of Bhawai artists performing daring feats. While it is rare to see such acts today, the Kawa circus and Jodhpur RIFF assemble some of the best artists still performing these forms, to re-create a traditional circus for our young audiences.

Bhapang – An unusual, single-stringed ‘talking drum’ is a classic folk instrument, particular to the Mewat region of Rajasthan. Coupled with equal parts music and hilarity, a group of talented bhapang artists will perform in unison for our young audiences.

Behrupiya – Blending a variety of art forms – acting, singing, dancing, etc., Behrupiya brings to life characters from Indian mythology, such as Ravan and Shiva. The artists, known as Nakal or Nakalchi, are masters of disguise and impersonation.

Chari Dance – A graceful dance form from the Kishangarh region of Rajasthan, performed by women balancing brass or earthen pots – chari – on their heads, containing a small flame. Originally performed to welcome the arrival of monsoon in the desert, it is a breathtaking display of poise and balance.

Bamrasiya – Bam rasiya, also known as Tamak, is a folk form from Alwar. Popularly performed to celebrate the harvest season, Tamak is characterised by huge Nagadas (Bam) that set the beat and the wooden sticks decorated with flowers and feathers that are used by the dancers.

Bhagoriya nritya – Performed by the Bhil and Bhilala communities during their vibrant pre-Holi spring festival, the Bhagoriya dance is an exuberant celebration of youth, harvest, and courtship. Propelled by the thunderous rhythm of traditional dhols and flutes, dancers move in swirling, synchronized formations adorned in vivid attire and silver jewellery.

Khari nritya – This enchanting dance form from Mewat revolves around a heartfelt dialogue between a couple. A frustrated wife, burdened by household chores, is tenderly reassured by her husband, vowing to ease her troubles. Central to this dance is the Khari, a wooden basket crafted from Tun wood, used by women to carry their belongings during travel.