Dhanush Leela Revived After 150 Years in Rajasthan
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Dhanush Leela |
| Location | Baran district, Rajasthan |
| Significance | Organised after 150 years |
| Occasion | Ram Navami and the drama of breaking Shiva's bow by Lord Ram |
| Duration | Three-day event |
| Key Rituals | Begins with Gangaur Teej (Ganpati installation, committee formation, and arrangements distribution). A procession featuring 'Sar Katya' and 'Dhad Katya' rides precedes the event. |
| Performance | Tableaus depicting Tantra rituals are showcased in a special square. All dialogues are in the vernacular language 'Bahi'. |
| Major Folk Arts of Rajasthan | |
| Sanjhi | Worship of Goddess Parvati during Shradh Paksha. Women observe Thumbudha fast on the last day. |
| Mandha | Geometric pictures (triangle, hexagon, circle, etc.) made with colors on walls and courtyards during auspicious occasions. |
| Phad Art | Stories of gods and goddesses depicted on cloth. Main centre: Shahpura (Bhilwara), created by the Joshi caste. |
| Puppet | Wooden puppets operated with threads for dramatic performances. Manufactured in Jaipur, Udaipur, and Chittaurgarh. |
| Bevad | Wooden throne for Thakurji, taken to the pond on Ekadashi. Manufactured in Bassi (Chittorgarh). |
| Chopda | Wooden spice container with 2, 4, or 6 compartments. Called 'Hatdi' in western Rajasthan, used in worship. |
| Toran | Artistic wooden figure placed at the bride's house entrance during marriage. Features a peacock or suva, touched with a sword or green twig. |