Renowned Mand folk singer Gavri Devi, who earned nationwide recognition for her contribution to traditional music and dedicated nearly eight decades to preserving Rajasthan’s musical heritage, died at her residence in Pali district on Thursday evening. She was 98 .
According to her family members, Gavri Devi had been suffering from age-related ailments for some time. She breathed her last around 8 pm at her ancestral home in Gavri Nagar, Desuri. Her last rites were held on Friday, attended by artists, admirers and members of the cultural fraternity from across Rajasthan .
Widely regarded as one of the foremost exponents of Mand singing, Gavri Devi played a significant role in taking Rajasthan’s traditional folk music to audiences across India and abroad. Her rendition of ‘Kesariya Balam…’ became synonymous with the state’s cultural identity and hospitality, earning her fans far beyond Rajasthan’s borders .
Musical Journey
Over a musical journey spanning several decades, she remained committed to preserving and promoting Mand, one of Rajasthan’s oldest and most revered folk traditions. Known for its expressive and romantic style, Mand is believed to have originated in the Jaisalmer region historically known as Mand and was once closely associated with royal courts .
Some of Devi’s most popular songs include:
- “Mor Bole Re Malji”
- “Baga Chalo Kesariya”
- “100 Koson Door Base Mara Sajan”
- “Dhola Mare Des Mein Nipje Teen Ratna”
Throughout her career, she performed on major cultural platforms across the country and remained actively associated with Doordarshan and All India Radio. Her devotional and Sufi-inspired renditions were also widely appreciated .
Legacy and Tributes
In recognition of her contribution to folk music, she received the Veer Durgadas Rathore Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rajasthan government . She was also honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1986 and, in 2013, the Government of Rajasthan posthumously awarded her the Rajasthan Ratna, the state’s highest civilian award .
Gavri Devi will also be remembered for passing on the legacy of Mand singing to her daughter-in-law, Sundardevi, and granddaughter, Neetu . She is survived by her family, including five sons and approximately 30 members, who reside in Gavri Nagar, Pali .
Condolences Pour In
Condoling her death, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said the passing of Gavri Devi was an irreparable loss to Rajasthan’s cultural heritage and folk music .
“The news of the demise of Pali’s renowned Mand singer Gavri Devi is extremely sad. Her passing is an irreparable loss to the folk music world and the cultural heritage of Rajasthan,” Sharma said .
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed grief, adding that Gavri Devi performed Mand singing for several decades and became synonymous with this folk art .
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat remarked that she dedicated every moment of her life to the preservation and promotion of folk art, elevating Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage to new heights .
