Music of Gujarat

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Gujarat is a part of India, known for lively traditions of both folk and classical music. Classical musicians and composers include Ustad Faiyaz Khan, Maulabux, Rahimkhan and Pandit Omkamath.

Gujarati folk dance includes the Raas and Garba dances, which are said to have been passed on by Krishna, who spent his childhood at Gokul, learning the flute. He also taught the folk drama Bhavai. Other dances include Dangi Nritya, Tippani Nritya, Padhar Nrritya and Siddi.

The Garba is a simple dance which involves clockwise and counter-clockwise movements. It is a very beautiful method of prayer. The Ras is an extremely complicated dance performed by a group in a circle, to a rhythm marked by sticks (dandias), accompanied by voices, shehnai, flute, zanz, dhol or cymbals. The Garba (Garba Nritya) is a circle dance performed by women at festivals like Holi, Vasant Panchmi, Navaratri and Sharad Purnima.