Kachi Godi derives its name from the work Ghoodi meaning ‘mare’.
It is a sprightly dance where the men and women don costumes resembling horses and pretend to be cavalry soldiers or horsed bandits.
The costume from hip down is a wooden horse and the footwork is coordinated with the beats of the drums and flutes to resemble the trotting movements of the horse rider.
One is always left awestruck at the skill of the performers and the labor that has bee put into fashioning out such an attire.
The performers wield mock swords and play the part of the brave yet benevolent bandits of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan known as the Bavaria. The dacoits of this region were the local Robin Hoods; they stole from the rich, oppressive landlords and distributed among the poor and the needy. Though denounced as criminals, these bandits were highly regarded by the common folk.
Their valor and humorous episodes of their exploits are the themes of Kachi Godi songs. Often Kachi Godi dances are performed as part of the marriage rituals and to entertain the bridegroom’s party, called baraat.
The fast paced dance generates a high spirited verve in the audience and the mock fights are egged on with cheers. The costumes of the performers are flashy, colorful and pleasing. Heavy ornamentation and caparisons form part of the ensemble.
