Art & Culture of Gwalior
Exploring the cultural richness of this place. Gwalior is famous for its numerous ancient palaces and beautiful monuments that transport visitors to the bygone era of the kings. It enjoys a subtropical climate. Getting to Gwalior is not at all a problem. This city is well connected to all other parts of the country.
Gwalior is at the heart of Mawalior, counted as one of the significant heritage and historic sites in Madhya Pradesh is well known all over the world. Every year thousands of tourists from all over the world visit this city, Madhya Pradesh's culture and several district cultural practices are synonymous with Gwalior. The city has marked many cultural events in the past which continues to be practiced till date. Traditional ways of living, music, culture, dressing, and every other aspect of life in Gwalior is unique to the city. Today, Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh stands proudly with its peculiar art and culture. From folk songs to folk dances and cultural events, Gwalior has all to prove its point.
ART AND CULTURE OF GWALIOR
Ahiri Folk Dance- Being one of the famous dances performed in Gwalior
The Ahiri Dances are practiced by the Ahir, Gwal, Baredi, Raut, Rawat, Gwala castes who are traditionally associated with the practice of cattle husbandry. The tribe claims to be direct descendants of Lord Krishna and practice the folk dance to come closer to Lord Krishna. The dances are performed on any religious or auspicious occasion and serve as a great medium of entertainment to the masses. Further, it helps to make the younger generation aware of their traditional culture.
Baredi Dance- plays an important role during the festival of Diwali
The Baredi dance occurs during the Diwali night when Hindus worship Goddess Laxmi but continues to the next day when the dance is held for cattle which are decorated with color and garlands before being released into the pastures to feed. The traditional practice runs back thousands of years to the times when wealth was measured in food and livestock. The practice continues till date with many continuing the tradition.
Saharia dance- Performed by the tribal people of Gwalior
The Sahari dance falls under several different categories which include the Lanhgi Dance, Raya Dance, Ada-Khada Dance, Dul-Dul Ghodi Dance, Lur Dance. The dance is traditionally linked to the forest-dwelling tribes for Gwalior but with many now settled in the city, they continue to follow their traditional culture. The dance is performed by women with drums being used as the main instrument to make music during the dance.
Gwalior’s Poetic Culture
Gwalior is popular for its traditional poetry with several dozen famous poets coming from Gwalior city. The city still harbors many poets even this day. There are many well-known poets from Gwalior who help cement poetry in the city culture.
JAGNIK- RENOWNED POET
Jagnik was a famous Gwalior poet between the 11th and 12 century and is still revered to this day. His poetry is still practiced and by many Gwalior poets today. His poems were the main developer around warriors and war which was rampant in the region during the time, the poet made poems that described the warriors experienced out on the field and sacrifices that were made to secure Gwalior. Today many of the poems continue to remind Gwalior residents how their ancestors fought for the city resulting in many older families still remaining in the city till date.
Ghag- Creating poems on how to lead a meaningful and upright life.
He was a famous poet who compared poetry during the Mughal rule period. The poet is considered to be the best ever from Gwalior and many poems are recognized across India today. The most famous of his poems describe the three fools of the world as being one- the ones who fail to use their resources. Two- As those who continue doing wrong despite knowing the deed is wrong and the third-Being those who continue to pay the dowry to some in-laws thus promoting laziness and the inability for some in-laws to work and earn. The poems are commonly reiterated by many poets even today but this poem was originally created by Ghag.