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DON'T MISS the Dharohar Folk Dance Show & the Bagore Ki Haveli in Udaipur
Updated: Jun 16
Udaipur, the enchanting City of Lakes, beckons travelers with its mesmerizing blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Among its many treasures, the Bagore Ki Haveli Dharohar Folk Dance Show stands as a captivating cultural must-see, weaving together the rich traditions of Rajasthan into an unforgettable spectacle.
Stepping into the Bagore Ki Haveli, a magnificent 18th-century mansion overlooking the serene Pichola Lake, is akin to embarking on a journey through time. The haveli's grand architecture, with its intricate carvings and graceful balconies, transports you to an era of royalty and splendor.
The Bagore Ki Haveli Dharohar Folk Dance Show is more than just a performance; it is a cultural odyssey, a window into the soul of Rajasthan. It is an invitation to experience the rich tapestry of traditions, the vibrant colors of life, and the enduring spirit of this enchanting land.
Thank you for stopping by, and a warm welcome to our India series here on Jenn & Leon Travel Blog. We had always wanted to visit this country, officially the 7th oldest in the world, and not only was the time finally upon us, but it came with our good friends and fellow Youtuber's Jackson and Marjo.
If you missed our earlier posts and would like to catch up, head over to our dedicated INDIA page or look out for the links in this blog.
Table of Contents
● What is the Dharohar Folk Dance Show of Udaipur?
● Our Dharohar Folk Dance Show highlights
● What are the different Rajasthani dances?
● What is the Bagore Ki Haveli?
● How to get to the Bagore Ki Haveli Udaipur
● Dharohar Folk Dance Show ticket information, opening times & entry requirements
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What is the Dharohar Folk Dance Show of Udaipur?
The Dharohar Folk Dance Show is a cultural event held daily at the 18th century Bagore Ki Haveli in Udaipur, India. The show showcases the vibrant and diverse folk dances of Rajasthan, giving visitors a glimpse into the state's rich cultural heritage.
The show features a variety of folk dances, each with its own unique style, costumes, and music. Some of the most popular dances include the Ghoomar, Bhavai, and Chari. Our favorite dance, the Bhavai, involves balancing clay pots on the head while dancing, with a plethora of gravity-defying moves.
The show has been running for 14 years and is the brainchild of Mr. Deepak Dixit, who wanted to bring elements of the Rajasthani culture under one roof to revive and promote the rich heritage and art of the region.
Read on for our highlights, details of the five different dances about it, the history of Bagore Ki Haveli, how to get there, opening times and ticket information.
Our Dharohar Folk Dance Show highlights
When we arrived at our hostel, we heard the music coming from the Bagore Ki Haveli and were instantly drawn to it. In fact, we could see right into the courtyard from our balcony. Lights and sounds emanated from the former mansion with rhythm, color, and storytelling.
We knew we had to visit and arranged it the very next day. We did not know much, if anything, about the museum part. We did not have the time to check that out, but from what we saw of the courtyard, this beautiful building has a whole heap of stories to tell. No doubt the museum would be worthwhile!
Heading inside we were made aware of a 'camera' charge, although ours was in our bag, and no-one checked at all. It may be an outdated charge, and is not much, but be aware of it. Also be sure to adhere to the 'no spitting' rules, as they are taken very seriously here haha!
Inside the central atrium, there is a large tree opposite the main performance area, and the lighting is really nicely done with fairy lights too. The seating is either on the floor on mats and rugs, on long benches, or if where we were, on a ledge against a wall. Coupled with the ancient architecture, the entire scene totally felt like we had just walked straight into Indian culture 101. It is really beautiful, and even before the start of the show we were already glad we had come.
There are five dances in total, and all of them are unique in their own way. There are quite a few solo performances too, and the dancers themselves were all fantastic. One could tell how seriously they were and getting it just right, with all of the intricate hand and feet movements. It was accomplished, attractive and dare we say patriotic almost, and we loved it. It was so much fun!
One of our favorite performances was of one particular dancer who performed 'chari', a pretty incredible feat of dancing with no less than eight clay pots on her head. They were taller than she was! Not to spoil it for you, but this highly talented artist actually rubbed her feet on broken glass too - yes your read that right. She also did some pretty insane balancing tricks, and we were quite frankly shocked that the pots on her head barely moved an inch. Even when she then started running around in circles.
Another charming act is the puppet show, and although we could only see it from the side, it was still a lot of fun. The audience really enjoyed this one too and it was actually a nice interjection between the dances. This is also one of the oldest of the Rajasthani traditions on display here; indeed puppetry was used widely many centuries ago as a way of conveying messages and stories to children and adult alike. Kind of like an old-school TV without the tech haha.
Overall this was a really good experience and we would recommend it for sure. It is not expensive at all and is a great way to throw yourself into culture and custom in India. The dance is great and the setting for it in the museum is a great touch. There are some real vibes here and we will definitely come again if we are ever back in Udaipur.
Save for later: Dreamyard Udaipur: Our first ever hostel stay in India
One Udaipur's highest rated hostels, Dreamyard offers fantastic views on Lake Pichola, along with great service and traditional Indian decor.
What are the different Rajasthani dances and shows?
There are no less than five different dances that you will see in the one hour show, and we have put them together here including their history and significance in Rajasthan:
⪢ Ghoomar
Ghoomar, also known as Ghumar, is a traditional folk dance of Rajasthan, India, performed primarily by women. It is a captivating dance characterized by its graceful movements, vibrant attire, and lively music.
Originating from the Bhil tribe, Ghoomar was initially performed to worship Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, and arts. Over time, the dance gained popularity and spread across various communities in Rajasthan, becoming an integral part of their cultural celebrations.
Ghoomar is typically performed during auspicious occasions, such as weddings, festivals, and social gatherings. The dance is known for its synchronized movements, where a group of women gracefully swirl their long, flowing skirts, known as ghaghara, in unison. The skirts, often adorned with intricate embroidery and mirror work, add a touch of elegance and vibrancy to the performance.
The rhythm of Ghoomar is set by a combination of percussion instruments, including dholak, manjira, and dhol. The music, often accompanied by folk songs, creates a lively and energetic atmosphere that complements the dancers' movements.
⪢ Terah Thaali
Terah Taali, meaning "thirteen claps" in Hindi, is a folk dance from Rajasthan, performed primarily by women of the Kamad tribe. It is a rhythmic dance characterized by the synchronized clapping of thirteen pairs of manjira cymbals attached to various parts of the dancers' bodies.
Terah Taali traces its origins to ancient Rajasthan, where it was performed as a form of worship and storytelling. The dance is often associated with the worship of Lord Shiva and is believed to possess the power to ward off evil spirits. Terah Taali is also performed during various festivals and celebrations, adding to the festive spirit with its lively rhythm and synchronized movements.
Terah Taali is a highly energetic dance that demands skill, coordination, and stamina. The dancers stand in a circle, their bodies adorned with colorful ghagras (traditional skirts) and intricate jewelry. The thirteen pairs of manjira cymbals are strategically attached to their wrists, ankles, elbows, and knees.
As the music begins, the dancers begin clapping their manjira cymbals in a synchronized pattern, creating a rhythmic symphony that fills the air. Their movements are energetic and precise, their bodies swaying and twirling to the beat. The dance demands a high level of focus and coordination, as the dancers must maintain the rhythm while keeping track of the intricate patterns.
The music for Terah Taali is typically provided by traditional percussion instruments, such as dhol, dholak, and manjira. The music is fast-paced and energetic, creating an atmosphere of excitement and engagement.
⪢ Bhavai
Bhavai is a vibrant folk dance and theater tradition that originated in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India. It is a captivating blend of dance, music, drama, and storytelling, performed primarily by men and women of the Bhavai community.
Bhavai traces its roots back to the 15th century, when it emerged as a form of entertainment and social commentary. The dance-drama often addressed contemporary issues, satirizing societal norms and criticizing the ruling class. Bhavai performers were considered social commentators and held a significant position in the community.
Bhavai performances are characterized by their energetic and expressive movements, often incorporating elements of acrobatics and improvisation. The dancers, dressed in colorful costumes adorned with intricate embroidery and mirror work, move with grace and agility, captivating the audience with their storytelling and performance skills.
The music of Bhavai is an integral part of the performance, setting the mood and tempo for the dance-drama. Traditional percussion instruments, such as dhol, dholak, and manjira, provide the rhythmic backbone, while the soulful melodies of folk songs and classical music narrate the story and evoke emotions.
Bhavai performances often revolve around mythological tales, historical events, and social issues. The stories are presented in a captivating manner, with the performers using their dance, gestures, and expressions to convey emotions and engage the audience.
⪢ Gavri
Gavri is a folk dance and theater tradition that originated in the Mewar region of Rajasthan. It is a blend of dance, music, drama, and storytelling, performed primarily by men and women of the Bhil tribe.
Gavri traces its roots back to the 13th century, when it emerged as a form of entertainment, storytelling, and religious devotion. The dance-drama often addressed mythological tales, historical events, and social issues, and was used to invoke blessings from the gods and goddesses. Gavri performers were considered storytellers and cultural guardians, holding a significant position in the Bhil community.
Gavri performances are characterized by their energetic and expressive movements, often incorporating elements of acrobatics, improvisation, and mime. The dancers, dressed in colorful costumes adorned with beads, feathers, and animal hides, move with grace and agility, captivating the audience with their storytelling and performance skills.
The music of Gavri is an integral part of the performance, setting the mood and tempo for the dance-drama. Traditional percussion instruments, such as dhol, dholak, and madal, provide the rhythmic backbone, while the melodies of folk songs and classical music narrate the story and evoke emotions.
Gavri performances often revolve around mythological tales, particularly those of the Bhil community's deities, such as Amba Mata and Pabuji. The stories are presented in a captivating manner, with the performers using their dance, gestures, and expressions to convey emotions and engage the audience.
⪢ Chari
Chari dance is an inspirational folk dance performed by women in Rajasthan. It is known for its graceful movements, vibrant attire, and balancing of earthenware pots on the dancers' heads.
Chari dance originated in the Ajmer and Kishangarh regions of Rajasthan. It is primarily performed during auspicious occasions, such as weddings, festivals, and celebrations. The dance is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.
Chari dance is characterized by its synchronized movements and graceful balance. Dancers swirl and twirl, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. They wear colorful ghagharas (traditional skirts) and adorn themselves with jewelry and ornaments. The focal point of the dance is the balancing of earthenware pots, known as chari, on their heads. The pots are often filled with water and lit oil lamps, adding to the visual appeal and challenge of the dance.
The rhythm of Chari dance is set by a combination of percussion instruments, including dholak, nagada, harmonium, bankia, and thali. The music is lively and energetic, creating an atmosphere of excitement and engagement. The dance represents the joy, celebration, and rich cultural heritage of the region. It is a testament to the skill, grace, and resilience of the women of Rajasthan.
⪢ Puppet Show
Puppet dancing, also known as Kathputli, is a traditional form of entertainment in Rajasthan. It has been practiced for centuries and is an important part of the state's cultural heritage.
Kathputli puppets are made of wood and are controlled by strings. They are typically brightly colored and dressed in traditional Rajasthani clothing. The puppeteers use their hands to manipulate the strings, making the puppets dance and move in a variety of ways.
Kathputli performances are usually held in open-air spaces, such as marketplaces or village squares. The stories told in the performances are often based on mythology, folklore, or current events. The performances are typically humorous and satirical, and they often poke fun at social norms and political figures.
Read on for details on how to get there, opening times and ticket prices, our experience rating, and our YouTube video!
What is the Bagore Ki Haveli?
The Bagore Ki Haveli is a magnificent structure that stands proudly on the banks of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Its intricate carvings, elegant balconies, greenery and grand courtyards offer a glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone era.
⪢ 18th Century Origins
The haveli, meaning 'mansion' or 'townhouse' in Hindi, traces its origins back to the 18th century when Amar Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar, commissioned its construction. Badwa, a man of refined taste and a patron of the arts, envisioned a grand residence that would reflect his status and the cultural vibrancy of Mewar.
The construction of Bagore Ki Haveli spanned over two decades, from 1751 to 1778, and involved a team of skilled artisans and craftsmen. The haveli's design incorporated elements of Rajput architecture, characterized by its intricate carvings, arched windows, and courtyards.
⪢ Transformation into a Museum
After Badwa's passing, the haveli remained in the possession of the Mewar royal family until 1947 when it was acquired by the government of Rajasthan. Recognizing its historical and cultural significance, the government decided to transform the haveli into a museum.
The Bagore Ki Haveli Museum was officially opened in 1954, showcasing a collection of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures that chronicled the history and culture of Mewar. The museum's exhibits span various periods, from the ancient to the modern, and offer insights into the region's art, traditions, and way of life.
⪢ A Cultural Hub
Beyond its role as a museum, Bagore Ki Haveli has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub. The haveli's courtyards often host cultural events, including the traditional folk dance we attended, music performances, and art exhibitions.
⪢ Architectural Splendor
Bagore Ki Haveli stands as a masterpiece of Rajput architecture, captivating foreigners and locals alike. The haveli's exterior is adorned with intricate floral and geometric patterns, while its interior features spacious rooms with arched windows and balconies overlooking Lake Pichola.
The haveli's courtyards, once used for social gatherings and celebrations, now serve as exhibition spaces for the museum's collection. The courtyards' lush greenery and serene atmosphere provide a tranquil backdrop for the museum's exhibits too.
⪢ A Legacy of Heritage
Today, Bagore Ki Haveli stands as a symbol of Udaipur's rich heritage and cultural legacy. The haveli's transformation into a museum has not only preserved its architectural splendor but also ensured the preservation and promotion of Mewar's cultural heritage for generations to come.
How to get to the Bagore Ki Haveli Udaipur
Getting to the Bagore Ki Haveli is fairly straightforward from the center of the city. We were just a few hundred yards away at the Dreamyard Hostel, so it was an easy walk for us! Find out more about the hostel here.
⪢ By Walking
If walking is your thing, then it is possible to walk here from the center of Udaipur. It is just under 4km and would take around an hour. India is notorious for lac of sidewalks though, so be careful on the roads and always stay alert to traffic around you, in particular bikes and auto-rickshaws.
⪢ By Car / Taxi
It takes about 12 minutes to get to the Bagore Ki Haveli from the center of Udaipur. The city can get quite congested, and there are also restrictions on bringing vehicles in to this part of town. If you are taking a taxi, they may not stop directly outside, so be prepared to walk or take a rickshaw for the final distance.
⪢ Local Transportation in Udaipur
The best way to get around Udaipur is by rickshaw. The are super affordable and are a fun way to see the city. They are also fairly nimble in traffic so can be quicker than taxis too!
Address: Haveli, opp. Gangaur Ghat Marg, Near Hotel, Old City, Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
Email: lokdharohar2022@gmail.com
Contact: +91 9530469046
Website: lokdharohar.com
Dharohar Folk Dance Show ticket information, opening times and entry requirements
⪢ Ticket outlets
You are able to purchase online (website link below), or at the ticket booth just outside of the museum entrance, to the left of the gate that leads to Lak Pichola (see YouTube video).
⪢ Admission
● Domestic / Indian Adults: ₹90
● Domestic / Indian Children: ₹45
● Camera fee (locals): ₹50
● Foreign Adults: ₹150 / £1.42 / $2.45 CAD / $1.80
● Foreign Children: ₹75 / £0.71 / $1.22 CAD / $0.90
● Camera fee (foreigners): ₹150
Prices stated are correct as of April 2024, but are subject to change at anytime. See the link below for the most up-to-date information.
Book tickets online: lokdharohar.com/booking
⪢ Opening hours
The Bagore ki Haveli Museum is open from 9:30am to 5:30pm everyday.
The Dharohar Dance Show is held between 6pm to 7pm everyday. The onsite ticket booth is open from 4.30pm.
⪢ Best time to visit
The show is typically busy on most days but the best time should be during the week. It also sells out quickly, so if you are planning on buying the tickets when you get there, try to aim for 5pm.
Dharohar Folk Dance on YouTube
Watch our dance show experience on our YouTube channel, Jenn and Leon Travel. In this video, we share our full experience in Udaipur. First we show you our first ever hostel stay, which we absolutely loved. We also tasted McDonalds in India for the VERY FIRST TIME, and take an incredible auto rickshaw ride that had the BEST music speakers, all the way to the ultra modern shopping mall NEXUS CELEBRATION MALL in central Udaipur.
You will find the dance show at 11:20 at the Bagore Ki Haveli, just after we enjoyed a beautiful lakeside sunset.
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Our Dharohar Folk Dance Show experience rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Is there any better place to experience the magic of traditional folk dance in Udaipur? Well if there is, it would have to be exceptional to top this. The Dharohar is hugely popular, attracting attention from all over India and beyond for good reason.
The setting in the the 250 year-old Bagore Ki Haveli adds to the drama and purpose of this beautiful show, that packs so much in to just one hour. Sitting around on the perimeter benches, or on the floor, this places oozes history and the acoustics of the old courtyard are magic. Such a fun activity that is super affordable, and offers a real insight into the traditions and culture of this incredible region of India.
Coming up: A trip to Nexus Celebration Mall, and our final thoughts on Udaipur before heading to Amritsar
If you have seen our recent Philippines series on YouTube, you will know that we very much started to enjoy checking out malls - unsurprising given that the Philippines is the mall capital of the world.
So we thought we would give a mall in India a try, and found Nexus Celebration Mall. As with everything in India, it was a unique experience in its own way. We try McDonalds for the first time in India, which insanely has no beef, and we are also approached to take part in a video shoot for an Instagram creator.
We then bid farewell to the city of lakes, sharing our final thoughts of what was a lovely stay overall in Udaipur. We had recovered from our illnesses, made friends and had a great time. With our time in India drawing to a close, we reflect on our experiences so far and let you know what we really think of the Golden Triangle.
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