Dhanush Leela | 16 Apr 2025
Why in News?
Dhanush Leela , an ancient folk tradition of Hadauti region, was organised after 150 years in Baran district of Rajasthan .
Key Points
- About Dhanush Leela :
- This three-day event was organised on the occasion of Ram Navami and the drama of breaking of Shiva's bow by Lord Ram was enacted.
- The program begins with the Teej of Gangaur , in which Ganpati installation , formation of organizing committee , and distribution of arrangements are done.
- A procession is taken out before the event , in which the rides of 'Sar Katya' and 'Dhad Katya' are prominent.
- Tableaus depicting Tantra rituals are brought to a special square where the performance takes place.
- All dialogues are written in the vernacular language 'Bahi' .
Major Folk Arts of Rajasthan
- Sanjhi:
- During the 15 days of Shradh Paksha, girls worship Sanjhi in the form of Goddess Parvati.
- Women observe Thumbudha fast on the last day.
- Mandha:
- On auspicious occasions, geometric pictures are made with colours on the walls and courtyard of the house.
- These pictures are in the shapes of triangle, hexagon, circle etc.
- Phad Art:
- The stories of gods and goddesses are depicted on the cloth which is called 'Phad'.
- Its main centre is Shahpura (Bhilwara), and is made by the Joshi caste.
- Puppet:
- A dramatic performance is given by operating wooden puppets with the help of threads.
- These are manufactured in Jaipur, Udaipur and Chittaurgarh.
- Bevad:
- A throne made of wood on which Thakurji is seated and taken to the pond on Ekadashi.
- It is manufactured in Bassi (Chittorgarh).
- Chopda:
- A spice container made of wood, having 2, 4 or 6 compartments.
- In western Rajasthan it is called 'Hatdi', it is used in worship.
- Toran:
- At the time of marriage, an artistic wooden figure is placed by the groom at the entrance of the bride's house.
- It has the figure of a peacock or a suva on it, which is touched with a sword or a green twig.