Rajasthani folk enthralls Israelis

Harinder Mishra

Jerusalem, Dec 5 (PTI) While it may be a dying art in
native Rajasthan, but the Manghaniyar and Langa artists from
the northern Indian state brought a capacity crowd of Israelis
alive marking the grand climax of a two week international
music festival here.

"It is unbelievable how four pieces of wood can take us
into a realm of extraordinary musical delight. It seems like a
magical innovation of a local population who have musical
instincts embedded deep into their blood," noted Israeli
filmmaker Dan Setton told PTI after the performance referring
to 'Khartal', an instrument made of four pieces of wood.

"The colour, the diversity, the rhythm - India doesn't
fail to surprise me. I am a big fan of Indian music but every
now and then get intensely attracted to a new form of it. Now
this is going to be my new obsession for a while," Michal, an
India enthusiast said after the performance.

The six artists drawn from Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Barmer
districts of Rajasthan drew huge applause from the audience
who joined them during the singing of 'Nimbooda Nimbooda' and
'Damadam mast Kalandar'.

"While we know these songs from Bollywood films but we
now realise that this is probably the authentic version. It is
much more bold with fiery and complex vocals," Tamar, a
student of Indian studies said.

"It also reflects cultural unity in diversity with same
songs in differing styles being sung in different parts of the
country," she added.

Dressed in their local attire the musicians from
Rajasthan were a big draw here with crowds trying to draw
their attention in the crowded vegetable market of Jerusalem
after the performance on the song 'Nimbooda Nimbooda'.

"The affection showered on us here is overwhelming. It
gives us the strength to pursue with our traditional musical
form and save it from extinction. It is the wealth we have
inherited from our ancestors and we are committed to preserve
our ancient traditions," Anwar Khan Manganiar, a singer in the
group dubbed 'The Diwana Ensemble' said.

The group sang songs like 'Sat Bhayan ki ek Behandly',
'Jivo Banjara, Loki Banjara', 'Gorbandh', 'Sawariya Bynaye',
'Nimbooda' and 'Damadam Mast Kalandar', besides intrumental
performances with Dholak, Khartal, Satara, Sarangi and
Morchang.

"They brought to display some unique instruments that
nobody knew about. Rajasthan is a land of colourful and
fascinating traditions for Israelis and this musical
performance is going to further heighten their interest in the
area. I am sure that Morchang is going to attract attention of
several people here," said Talia, who has travelled
extensively in India.

The two week international 'Oud Festival' is an annual
event in Jerusalem which draws several groups from all over
the world.

The promotional activities around the Rajasthani folk
music drew huge attention here and the tickets were sold out
much ahead of the scheduled performance.

"It truly turned out to be the grand finale of the event
to our delight," a spokesperson for the organisers said. PTI
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