Palace on Wheels - Cultural Programmes

Palace on Wheels tour is not just about romancing an exotic rail journey and exploring the forts and palaces of Rajasthan, it is also about exploring the heritage of Rajasthan. Your introduction to the cultural heritage of this varied land starts from the first encounter with the train when, folk musicians play shehnai (a traditional flute) welcoming you to the train.

Ghoomar Dance

This is basically a community dance for women and performed on auspicious occasions. Derived from the word ghoomar, pirouquette, this is a very simple dance wher the ladies move gently and gracefully in circles.

Chari Dance

This involves dancing with a chari, or pot, on one's head. A lighted lamp is then placed on the pot.

Kachhi Ghodi

This is a dance performed on dummy horses. Men in elaborate costumes ride the equally well decorated dummy horses. Holding naked swords, these dancers move rhythmically to the beating of drums and pipes.

Fire Dance

The Jasnathi community of Bikaner and Churu are renowned for their tantrik powers and this dance is in keeping with their lifestyle. A large ground is prepared with live wood and charcoal where the men and boys jump in the fire to accompaniment of drum beats. The music gradually rises in tempo to a crescendo and the dance seems to be in a trance-like state.

Terah Taali

The Kamad community of Pokhran and Deedwaa town of Rajasthan perform this dance in honour of their deity, Baba Ramdeo. A rather unusual performance where the men play a four-stringed instrument called a Chau-tara and the women sit with dozens of manjeeras, or cymbals, tied all over their bodies and strike them with the ones they hold in their hands. Sometimes, the women also hold a sword between their teeth or place pots with lighted lamps on their heads.

Kalbelia Dance (Snake Charmer)

The dance of the Kalbelia women is vigorous and graceful. The accompanying music rises in tempo as the dance progresses, ending with the performer dancing on glowing embers which is a breathtaking and deeply impressive sight.

Fairs and festival of Rajasthan reflect the vigour and lifestyle of its people. Vibrant colours, musicand festivities make the golden sands come alive. It is rightly said that Rajasthan is the only place where the mood and rhythm is so overpowering that it impresses even the most seasoned traveler.

Nomadic tribes and traditional entertainers, minstrels, jugglers, puppeteers, and performers come together to make you dance eon their tunes.

At every halt your evening is planned with cultural programmes, be it Ghoomar, Panihari, Gorbandh, Ghair, Kalbelia, Chung, Agni Nritya, or puppet shows. You wil surely be enchanted by the famous folk songs Moomal, Baramasa and Gorbandh.