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 Rajasthan is a state with a living cultural heritage that can be traced back to ancient times.
Music: Rajasthani folk music has along history. Traditionally rulers had bards in their courts who sang tales of the heroic deeds of kings. These ballads called "Rasos" can be heard even today. The legend of King Prithviraj Chauhan and his bard Chand Bardai who composed the Prithviraj Raso, a ballad which details the brave deeds of Prithviiraj is well known. Folk music remains a popular entertainment today and is also used to spread positive messages about health and social development.
Dance: Rajasthani folk dances are an eye-catching sight. Lissome women wearing colorful clothes decorated with mirrors and embroidery, balancing a column of brass pots on their heads, sway in time to the music of a traditional melody. Some of the popular folk dances in Rajasthan, which are a great source of entertainment, are Bhavai, Chari, Ghair, Ghoomar, Kacchi Ghodi where a dancer wears a costume resembling a horse, Kalbeliya, performed by the women of the snake charmer community and Teerahtali, where women perform with 13 cymbals tied to their limbs.
Puppetry: Puppetry is a traditional art form and source of entertainment in Rajasthan. Tales from the epics, folk tales and social commentary are conveyed through the medium of colorful puppets. These little puppets are also popular souvenirs for tourists who visit Rajasthan on an Indian Holiday.
Tourist events: Tourist events are held year round to showcase Rajasthan's cultural heritage and attract to visitors to Rajasthan. Apart from traditional festivals which are showcased such as the Gangaur and Teej Festivals, some modern events which have been devised for the entertainment of tourists and the local people alike are:
Elephant Festival: The Elephant Festival at Jaipur is held during the festival of Holi every year. This popular tourist attraction sees these gentle giants decorated in bright colors bearing tourists on their backs, who are invited to play Holi by throwing colored powder on each other. Events such as elephant races and elephant polo are also held for the entertainment of tourists.
Desert Festival: This colorful festival is held in Jaisalmer, in February every year. Cultural events, camel races, turban tying competitions, and contests to judge the man with the best moustache are held at this festival in the golden sands of the Rajasthan Desert, with a final musical performance by folk singers under the moonlit sky at the dunes in Sam, just outside Jaisalmer.
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