| Program Description |
Banchari folk art belongs to old Brij culture. This rich art form is today confined to
a few villages in Faridabad and Palwal districts and is being kept alive by a few artists, through the gurushishya parampara. The art form is mostly dedicated to the worship of Radha-Krishna and divine love,
and comprises singing, dancing, and playing of various musical instruments. The songs are based on ragas,
which include devotional, rasiya (love songs), martial, patriotic, holi songs, singing paeans, and songs to
suit every occasion. Banchari artists also stage Ram Leela and other plays. Musical instruments like
harmonium, dholak, manjeera, bansuri, and jhanj are played by the artists. The most impressive
instrument is the huge nagada (war drum). The Banchari troupe looks simple and rustic, yet impressive, in
kurta-pajama with a colourful turban and garland.
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