You all might have watched Bandish Bandits. If not, it’s not uncommon for popular musicians and true patrons of music to visit Rajasthan in search of bona fide music that rings something deep within the soul of the listeners. Jaisalmer is one such hub of rich folk music. Read on to know more about the best places in Jaisalmer to explore the local street music along with some of the breathtaking views from this city.
Saakshi Priyadarshini | BeatCurry Team
Well, an interesting thing about this city – every corner of the city echoes the welcoming song, Kesariya Balam, with musicians of all ages eagerly waiting to sing and show their music to the localities and the tourists. The city quite literally breathes and lives music! You all might have heard this song multiple times and felt drawn towards the powerful voice, the rich music and the feeling of beauty it delivers each time you hear it. The authenticity of Rajasthani music can be felt in every nook and corner of the state. Walking around Jaisalmer and exploring the city was one of the most enthralling experiences! Check this out!
The BeatCurry team went on to rediscover the folk music on ground level in the golden city, also known as Jaisalmer, to bring forth the awesome flavor of the original musical heritage to be witnessed. We compiled a list of great top places to discover local music in Jaisalmer, so that you do not miss out on a crucial part of the colorful heritage of Jaisalmer, on your next visit.
Jaisalmer Fort
It has been noted that the fort was home to all the residents of Jaisalmer. Although with growing population and passing time, the population has spread outside the fort walls as well. As one can see, the musicians and their group could be witnessed in almost every nook and corner of the city, the Jaisalmer Fort is no anomaly, especially when it is one of the major times for tourists to visit Jaisalmer. Folk artists from Jaisalmer Fort
The place is almost a mini township, with all the shops, restaurants and various local museums present within the boundary. The performing artists can be seen in their colorful turbans and harmoniums while they sing for the tourists. Listen to Sakir Khan sing the welcome song ‘Kesariya Balam.’ Ever heard of Mumal? One of the favorite evergreen songs every Rajasthani loves listening to. Mumal by Riddu Khan
The Artist Colony
It has been noted that the fort was home to all the residents of Jaisalmer. Although with growing population and passing time, the population has spread outside the fort walls as well. As one can see, the musicians and their group could be witnessed in almost every nook and corner of the city, the Jaisalmer Fort is no anomaly, especially when it is one of the major times for tourists to visit Jaisalmer. Folk artists from Jaisalmer Fort
The place is almost a mini township, with all the shops, restaurants and various local museums present within the boundary. The performing artists can be seen in their colorful turbans and harmoniums while they sing for the tourists. Listen to Sakir Khan sing the welcome song ‘Kesariya Balam.’ Ever heard of Mumal? One of the favorite evergreen songs every Rajasthani loves listening to. Mumal by Riddu Khan
BeatCurry SoundTrek ft. Ustad Lalu Khan: Exploring The Ancient Sounds Of Rajasthan
Many members of the primary music families and communities such as the Manganiyars, the Langas have homes in this area. You can witness young kids rehearsing with the elders and getting trained in the earthy music which is the identity of Rajasthan and their major source of livelihood. Check out the young talented Kartal artists from Artist Colony here.
Lohar Colony
The Lohar basti or colony is a specific area in the city of Jaisalmer inhabited by the Lohar (blacksmiths) community. The area is swarmed with world-class instrument makers at the cottage industry level. They are one of the very few Morchang and other traditional instrument makers across the world, which are an integral part of Rajasthani folk music. You might find numerous people sitting in front of their homes and playing these instruments. One such music maestro is Mohan Lal Lohar. Check this out!
Patwo Ki Haweli
Patwo Ki Haweli is another major tourist attraction of the city of Jaisalmer. Built in 1805 by one of the most prominent traders of their time, the structure serves as a primary allure for history, art, and architecture geeks who get mesmerized by the intricate carvings and splendid hallways present within the building. Again, as it is swarmed by tourists during peak season, the artists are present at different places within the streets and around the magnificent structure. They sing their welcome songs and other devotional music accompanied by other native music instruments and weave magic across the campus.
Gadisar Lake
Gadisar lake is a popular picnic spot located just a kilometer away from the majestic Jaisalmer Fort. The place provides an exquisite view of the fort at dusk and is frequented by tourists because of its cool and soothing weather. The lake is essentially a water tank meant to handle the drinking water needs of the city.
One can find various artisans and local musicians lining the banks of the lake, thus providing a full package of entertainment and a relaxed day outing. The beautiful archway made of yellow sandstone serves as the performing spot for several groups of musicians with their bright-colored turbans, white kurtas, and musical instruments that tell a story of their own.
Sam Desert
The SAM dunes and desert safari in the Sam village situated 45-50 kilometers from Jaisalmer City is an important part of your travel itinerary when you visit the city. The beautiful and expansive dunes and valleys of sands are a sight to behold through great jeep safaris, off-beat camel rides, and oh-so-amazing night camping. Well, what makes camping so irresistible and memorable? Good music!
Classic music performance and feet tapping beats from the local village artisans while your soul revels in the beauty of the place are the experience of a lifetime that this place would leave you with. Sometimes, these musicians are also hired by various tents and hotels to make their guests’ tours even more engaging and worth remembering. Folk music from the desert. Check it out!
Conclusion
Apart from these areas, the entire city is a bustling hub for music. Although these places are a major attraction with specific tourists and explorers as visitors, one can witness the spectacle of the local skilled musicians in form of the live music and dance performances that are hosted by the regal hotels and restaurants to entertain their guests.
The music and musicians are also a major part of desert festivals and other cultural events that are held regularly across the city and state to gain more prudence in the national and international music circuit. You just need to step inside the city of Jaisalmer and put on your explorer hats and be ready to witness the most magical music, colored with the authenticity and rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and India.
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