Bhopa

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Bhopa is a community in Rajasthan state of India. They are considered to be priest singers who depict the story of folk deities, traditionally told by professional story tellers who deliver it in front of a tapestry that depicts the characters of the story, and functions as a portable temple, accompanied by a ravanhattha fiddle they tell it to the public through songs. This painted tapestry is called Phad in Rajasthani language. The Phad is a 30 feet long sheet on which are painted (or sewn) miniature scenes depicting the life of Pabuji, a 14th century hero, on which his adventures are depicted. The singer has a stick with which he points out each scene and narrates the story. The light is provided by his wife who holds a lantern alongside him. The Bhopas carry this traditionally, and are invited by villagers to perform in their areas during times of sickness and misfortune. The ballad is sung by the Bhopa as he plays the Ravan-hattha musical instrument.

[edit] See also

• Pabuji Ki Phad