Malwai Giddha
It is a traditional folk dance which is characterized by singing and dance by men while celebrating a festive occasion. In fact, Giddha means rhythmically clapping and is done by women but hear the men make a foray into the art form. The participants play one of the following instruments: Bhukchu, Dholki, Algoza, Ektara, Chimta, Sap, Kato, Ghada, and Gabba. Each person plays an instrument. The men balance to sing as well as play the instrument at the same time. Mostly the dance is performed when the groom returns home with the bride. This is most often depicted as a celebration rather than a performance. The ‘lok boli’ is sung by the lead vocalist which is addressed to others and it builds the emotional tempo and the vocalists join him. At that point in time, the instrument is played and all dance to the rhythm, and then the pace is lowered and finally halted. The joyous cries from other participants are joined by the local vocalist who sings to continue the cycle.
The cycles of dancing and singing in the performance are many they are based on the themes of romance and relationship with in-laws. The performance combines rhapsodic raptures and teasing along with the furious beating of Dholki. A suitable backdrop is provided by the Algoza, a local woodwind instrument, that is detuned and continuously produces the same notes and melody in quick succession. It is a free-style dance and it is not choreographed strictly. This dance was mostly performed by aged bachelors. Nowadays, all age groups can participate, and rarely women too join it.