Dhamaal Rajasthani Music CD Rajasthani Songs

The people inhabiting the region of Shekhawati have long been known for their great love for music and intricately sophisticated sense of melody. Sung by male artists with the use of Changs- simple flat drums, and flutes, Dhamaal was traditionally sung during Holi – the festival of color. Ghunghroos, Manjeera and Dholki are also played. Historically, the artists who perform this style of music did not perform for commercial purposes and allowed other people to join the informal, collective revelry of song and dance. While the form still retains its infectious informality it is encountered more as a performance now and less as social celebration. Male artists that perform the Dhamaal style sometimes outfit themselves in women’s clothing apart from an array of other strange costumes they put on in order to bring varying shades to the performance. The characteristic down tempo rhythm of a Dhamaal rendition and the simultaneous dancing and signing by the performers, sets the style apart from other festive folk traditions of India that are high on energy and pace. The strains of the flute bring alive the quaint, rural settings of yore and for the Indian listener are reminiscent of a certain fragrant warmth. A lead vocalist conducts the performance with the background chorus singing in pursuit. Sometimes the tempo slightly rises toward the end to indicate the completion of a piece.