Donation Cause
India is a country of rich diverse culture with art playing an integral role. Every state has its own folk art forms bursting with authenticity. These art forms have stood the test of time carrying ethnic flavors over the decades.

Folk art forms are not only our cultural heritage but also have a lot to offer our communities in terms of telling our stories, giving us identity and connecting us to our roots. However, many folk art forms have been declining in recent times. Folk artists, who have carried the legacy generation after generation, are fighting a battle of balancing passion and sustainability. For these folk artists, these art forms are a way of living.

Scroll through to read about the artists and their art forms and we are sure they would intrigue you.

Artkhoj in collaboration with R.K Foundation aims to work towards preserving folk art by supporting folk artists and their art forms while allowing their natural evolution.

The fundraiser is supported by amazing folks at Skillbox.

Join us in this incredible journey by contributing to our fundraiser, “ALL FOR FOLK", and help in the conservation of folk art.

 

Why is there a need for such a campaign? 

1. Due to the pandemic, the arts and entertainment industry has been affected tremendously as there are no live shows and events.
2. For folk artists across the country, live shows and events are the only sources of income.
3. Due to language and technology restrictions, they are unable to even leverage online events and workshops for their benefit.
4. Hence, any amount collected and given to them will help them take care of their basic needs until they get back to performing live.

How is this campaign designed: 

1. We are selecting 3 artists groups at a time (a group can be in the size of 3-5 artists) with an aim to raise Rs. 5000 per artists group.
2. For each group campaign, 3 weeks will be allocated to raise the desired fund.
3. If we are to achieve the target well before the time, we will distribute the allocated money to the artists and will select the next 3 artists groups.
4. If the target is not achieved, then the money raised in the desired time frame will be equally distributed between the groups.
5. The money collected will be distributed between the groups after the fundraiser platform deductions and taxes.

How can you help: 

1. By donating to the campaign.
2. By spreading the word about the campaign among your friends and family.
3. By connecting us to brands, media, communities and other channels to spread the word.
4. By becoming a volunteer to help us in the backend work. To become a volunteer, please provide your details here
5. Connecting us to other folk artists from your state who are in a need of help now.
6. Booking a folk group for an online session/interaction for your company, college, school, family and friends.

 

About the artists:

Yusuf Khan and Group:

An engineer by qualification, Yusuf left his job to pursue his passion and works on reviving the dying folk music form. Yusuf is a 25th generation Bhapang player and singer in his family.

The instrument is also an invention of their family, which is known around the world for its uniqueness and sound. Yusuf Khan has performed with his father, uncle and brother in different places within and outside India.

Yusuf Khan and group belong to Mungaska area in Alwar, Rajasthan and perform stories and folk songs in Mewati language.



About the instrument:
Resembling the conventional two-headed percussion instrument - Damru, Bhapang is an unconventional folk string instrument from Rajasthan.

Traditionally, Bhapangs are made of hollow gourd shells, with the top and bottom part of the shell slashed away. The bottom part is then replaced by a flexible piece of leather, generally goat-hide. The leather is firmly attached to the bottom, giving the lower part of the shell the appearance of a typical percussion instrument. The centre is then punctured and a string is passed through the leather piece to the other end, where a small bamboo piece is tied to it. As strange as the instrument may look, the instrument produces unbeatably unique music. 


Ashraf Khan and Group:

Ashraf Khan is a 22-year-old folk performer from Barmer, Rajasthan.
He is an all-rounder when it comes to singing and playing instruments. He masters in playing folk instruments like Morchang and Kartal. He is also an amazing singer and beatboxer.

Ashraf Khan belongs to the Manganiyar community of Rajasthan. While explaining the meaning of Manganiyar, Ashraf Khan says that their families used to get rewards from royal Rajput families for their singing, hence the name Manganiyar is derived from the Hindi term “Magna”, which means to ask.



Having performed in Entertainment ke liye kuch bhi karega on Sony, India MTV Music Summit, Times of India and other big festivals, Ashraf started performing from the age of 5 with his father and brothers.
Ashraf Khan performs with musicians on Harmonium, Dholak, Morchang and Kartal as well.


Bhera Ram and Group:

Bhera Ram and group belongs to the Bhil community of Rajasthan. He has been singing since he was 8 years old. He had learnt everything about music and especially folk music from his father and grandfather.

He used to accompany them for shows as a child. He not only sings but also plays a string instrument called Ravanhatta.
Having performed at various festivals and events conducted by Indian government, both inside and outside the country, he has keen interest in collaborating with other musicians and creating an amalgamation of folk and western music.



About the instrument:
Ravanhatta is an instrument most popularly associated with wandering bards and folk musicians in Rajasthan. But did you know that this simple stringed instrument is said to have been invented by Ravana, the villain of the Indian Epic - Ramayana.

While this is an interesting story, within the story of the legend, what is important to note is that even music historians from across the world, vouch for the Ravanhatta’s antiquity. Some claim, that this simple stringed instrument is the ancestor of the modern Violin.


Will you be able to see these artists perform? 
Yes, the artists groups will either be going live (as per the internet availability since they are based out of villages) or recording a video and sharing with us which will be shared on Artkhoj Facebook and Instagram pages, to provide you a glimpse of the art form.

"Giving is not just about making a donation, it's about making a difference". Your donation, no matter how small will be deeply appreciated and will make a difference towards the cause - "ALL FOR FOLK".

For any queries or collaboration, feel free to reach out to us on +918971492903