Inaugural Event of “Hyderabad Arts Festival”

Three month long, 100 day free ticketed "Hyderabad Arts Festival" to begin in city tomorrow with Sounds of the Desert - The Manganiar Magic of Music and Dance at Shilparamam Amphitheatre from 8pm onwards

Manganiyars are Muslims but sing in praise of the Hindu Gods and Goddesses. They believe both these religions to be their eyes, and one
cannot live without either.

Hyderabad, April 08, 2016
The three month long, 100 day free ticketed

"Hyderabad Arts Festival -Season 4" to begin in city tomorrow with Sounds of the Desert - The Manganiar Magic of Music and Dance program here in city at Shilparamam Amphitheatre from 8pm onwards.

All are welcome and it is a free program. However, as in the past, those who wish to attend the same may book their tickets free of cost on www.hvderabadartsfestival.com or phone: 040 - 64646262 or 66335533

"Sounds of the Desert -The Manganiar Magic of Music and Dance"is unique program. The Manganiyars' classical folk music brings alive the earthy tunes of the deserts. It will be a magic come alive when Kheta Khan's mesmerizing Khartal meets the dholak and rustic vocals to present a treat to the soul, while the colourful folk dancers add life to the music. Surely an event that will stay etched in the memory forever. No wonder why the program is chosen well to kick start the festival under the new name.

The Manganiyars are traditional minstrels of the Thar Desert. They have been singing for their Rajput patrons for religious festivals, occasions such as weddings, childbirth, and other celebrations, for ages. Their singing and performances are considered auspicious and no ritual is complete without their presence.

You all will be surprised to know that the Manganiyars are Muslims but sing in praise of the Hindu Gods and Goddesses. They believe both these religions to be their eyes, and one cannot live without either. Another great example of the vast cultural diversity and secularism India has to offer.

Their traditional instruments are Dholak and Khartaal, which are percussion instruments. The Khartaal is 4 pieces of Sheesham wood that is held as a pair in each hand. The sound, which is fairly high pitched, is the perfect partner for their other percussion instrument, the Dholak.

Khete Khan will be playing the Khartaal along side Manjoor Khan on the dholak.

On the Sarangi we have with us Bhauru Khan, a member of another community called the Langas. This community is originally from Sindh and can be found in the parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. They are related to the Manganiyars but have their own set of Patrons.
On the vocals, we have Khete Khan and Fakira Khan, who will also be playing the Harmonium, and both are Manganiyars.

Suva Devi, a Kaalbeliya is a dancer. The Kaalbeliyas, another tribe of Rajasthan, were originally nomads that caught snakes and traded in snake venom. They are also know as Saperas, and hence their dance movements bear a resemblance toward Cobras and other serpents.
The artists who perform tomorrow include.. * Khete Khan - on Khartaal; * Manjoor Khan- on Dholak; * Bhauru Khan - on Sarangil * Khete Khan - on Vocal; * Fakira Khan - on Vocals and * Suva Devi - Kaalbeliya dancer