Wednesday, February, 12,2025

Rajasthan's Enchanting tales

On the concluding day of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025, the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan was beautifully brought to life with Pabuji Ka Phad: Narrative Traditions of Rajasthan, a captivating conversation led by CP Deval and Sitaram and Party, presented by Rajmahal Palace Raas. The session focused on the oftenoverlooked role of Deval Chaaran in the Epic of Pabuji, a folk tradition integral to Rajasthan’s culture.

CP Deval emphasized the unique performance style of the bhopa and bhopi, who bring the phad (scroll painting) to life. Traditionally performed through the night, the bhopi illuminates different scenes with a lamp while playing the ravanhatta, a two-string instrument, while the bhopa narrates the story. The performance, known as phad baanchna (“reading of the phad”), was once commissioned as a religious service. Each painted scroll was treated as a shrine, with the ceremony beginning with purification rituals and an arti dedicated to the bhomiya, the central deity of the phad.

The Epic of Pabuji tells the tale of a 14th-century Rajput chieftain, yet Pabuji’s character remains passive, with existential struggles. In contrast, Deval, a cowherd woman, emerges as the driving force of the narrative, guiding Pabuji through his challenges. Although not the protagonist, Deval’s role as the cosmic stabilizer underscores the reverence and fear surrounding women in Rajasthan, often elevating them to divine status.

The session highlighted the powerful contributions of women in Rajasthan’s social fabric, reinforcing the relevance of these traditional stories in contemporary conversations.

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