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Sheetal Ashtami festival in Jodhpur

          Jodhpur (Rajasthan): The people of Jodhpur joined folk artistes to dance through the streets of the city during the Sheetal Ashtami festival. The performers, dressed themselves as kings, queens and animals, danced on the nights of March 12 and 13 to mark the festival, celebrated in honour of Goddess Sheetala. Resplendently attired men danced in a series of half swirls, imparting a vigorous character to the unique 'Gair dance' by striking sticks with one another. It is performed by men only. "My father, my grandfather, my uncle, everyone does it, so I started doing it as well. I like it very much," said Siddharth, a young boy. Men and women lined both sides of streets to watch the artistes proceed as they performed the exquisite dance and sang traditional folk songs. "Be they young or old, everyone loves to play 'Gair dance' with great enthusiasm. Those who can't dance, they watch the performance," said Jaynarayan Bhati, a resident. The festival commences immediately after Holi.
- March 15, 2007

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