The Rajasthan circuit - Day 5 - The traditional folkloric night at the Brys Fort Hotel - The 19th of November 2012

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Upon having reached the hotel we noticed that there would be a folkloric night  in one of the hotel courtyards, one which we expected not to miss, mainly because there would also be a puppet theatre.

The show started with some music and dance performances very similar to the ones we had watched in Jaisalmer and though the dancer seemed to lack some of the graciousness the previous dancer had, she excelled in the hand movements, which were meticulously positioned as the dance advanced, at times almost seemingly detached from the wrist.

 

 

Being particularly fond of puppets and having read that there is a well known tradition regarding this type of theatres in Rajasthan I felt it might be worth watching.

The 30 cm string puppets (katputli) are moved by artists who also make them and whose artistry is said to have passed from generation to generation. Most of the theatrical plays focus on historical  or popular Rajput characters, as well as ancestral principles which  they feel must be passed onto the young viewers.

Although it was not extraordinary it gave us an insight onto what this form of Art potentially is.  Having seen me enthusiastically looking at some of the puppets on display, Christian kindly bought me the one he felt I liked most.


Despite having been a tiring day I felt it was equally enriching and the truth was we were all looking forward to what might be next ...