Musicians from Rajasthan's marginalised Merasi community to showcase their genius at a concert
Merasi musicians in concert
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The Merasi community from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, has a musical legacy of over 800 years. While members of the community have wowed the world with their musical prowess, they continue to be labelled as untouchables, and face atrocities in their home state.
Placed at the bottom of the social strata, the Merasis are denied basic human rights of food security, access to water, and education. They are often labelled as Manganiyar (beggar), but that doesn't stop them from travelling to various cities to perform.
Children practising the Merasi community's music
The magnificent seven
Seven Merasi musicians, Akram Khan (20), Rasul Khan (29), Shajad (18), Ghamse Khan (26), Habib Khan (34), Deu Khan (23) and Babu Khan (36) will travel to the city for a performance next week. The concert will have the flavour of Rajasthani folk, and Sufi music. Organised by Lok Kala Sagar Sansthan (LKSS), an NGO which works towards the betterment of the community, the show will celebrate diversity of Rajasthani music and the community's determination to break the rigid caste system and empower themselves using their music.
The Merasis have songs for every occasion, from birth to death. Their music is an integral part of Jaisalmeri culture. They use indigenous instruments like dhol, dholak, khartal, nagada, harmonium and morchang. The dhol is an important part of the community's identity. "We are quite excited about our performance in Mumbai," admits Shajad Merasi, as he turns the clock back to his childhood. "As kids, we would perform on August 15 and January 26 to welcome guests at our school, but we were never called on stage to greet the guests. Even today, people consider it auspicious to have us perform at weddings, poojas and festivals, but we're made to stand at the gate or outside the venue. Our music is welcomed, but we are shunned as untouchables.
"It hurts. We feel like discards. We want to live with dignity and respect."
Deu Khan with a khartal in his hand
Helping hand
Hanover Wadia from of LKSS is hopeful that the show will help the community. She says, "This will be their sixth performance in Mumbai. Besides wanting to generate funds to make them self-sufficient, we are keen to create awareness about the Merasi community and support their musical legacy."
On September 8, 7 pm onwards
At Homi J H Taleyarkhan Memorial Hall, Indian Red Cross Society, Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, Fort.
CALL 9004944333 (for passes)
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