Chaar Bayt are a four line sequence of verses sung to the beat of the “duff” (a percussion instrument) It is performed in States of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. It is believed that Chaar Bayt originated from an Arab poetic form called Rajeez and its origin can be traced back to the 7th century. These songs were sung by the soldiers. In the war camps they would sing songs in the evenings to instill valour and courage in their ranks. Songs at a high pitch with fast beats.
These songs later travelled eastwards along with the soldiers to Persia and Afghanistan, where they came to be sung in the local language. In 18th century India, many states had their private armies, which recruited Pathan and Afghani soldiers. These soldiers brought along with them the tradition of Chaar Bayt, which is still alive. A Chaar Bayt troupe is referred to as an ‘akhara’ (arena) which is headed by an ‘ustad’ (teacher/guru).
The groups sing in the evenings, and compete with each other in a didactic style of question and answer. Often the poet sits with the group and writes new verses on the spot. The highly involved and deeply participatory performances would go on till late in the night. The singers of Chaar Bayt are generally unlettered people from economically weak backgrounds.
Bhagoriya Dance
Bhagoriya is a well known dance of the Bhils, a large tribe of Jhabua district in Madhya Pradesh. The dance is associated with a festival known as `bhagoria’ and a fair called bhagoriya haat. The tribal unwed boys and girls prepare for this fest that serves the purpose of marriage bureaux by establishing link between prospective brides and bridegrooms leading to their nuptial union.
Narmada Parikrama
Narmada ParikramaNarmada Parikrama is the circumambulation around holy river Narmada undertaken by its pilgrims. Narmada river is considered to be the lifeline of Central India and is worshipped as Narmada maiyyaor Ma Rewa. The journey covers the route passing from the source of the river, i.e. Amarkantak to the point in Gujarat where it meets the Arabian sea and back. The entire journey covers about 2600 km. Originally the pilgrims completed the tour barefoot, halting in ashrams, temples and local shelters along their way. In modern times, the expedition is also undertaken with the help of vehicles like jeeps, buses and motor-boats. Popular halts along the journey include Ujjain, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar, and Laxmi Narayan Temple in Bhopal.
Rai Nritya/Bedni Dance
Rai Nritya, also known as Bedni Dance, is a popular folk dance of Madhya Pradesh. It is performed by women of Bediya tribe. Dancers usually wear ghungroo while performing Rai Nritya and are accompanied by musicians playing mridang. It often involves use of small fireworks for showing stunts.