Gavri Devi, Rajasthani Mand Singer, Dies at 98

Gavri Devi, a noted Mand folk singer from Rajasthan, died at the age of 98 on 11 June 2026 at her residence in Pali, Rajasthan. She was known for her long association with Mand singing, a traditional music form of Rajasthan.

Mand Music Tradition

Mand is one of the oldest folk music traditions of Rajasthan. It combines melodic singing, storytelling, and regional folk themes. The form has been performed in desert and semi-desert regions of western Rajasthan for generations.

Gavri Devi’s Background and Career

Gavri Devi was born in Koran village in Barmer district. Her parents were professional folk artists, and she remained active in Mand singing for nearly eight decades. One of her well-known songs was More Bole Re.

Recognition and Legacy

Gavri Devi received nationwide recognition for preserving and popularising Mand music. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed grief over her death. Her family members, including her daughter-in-law Sundardevi and granddaughter Neetu, are associated with the same musical tradition.

Important Facts for Exams

• Mand is a traditional folk music form of Rajasthan.
• Barmer district is located in western Rajasthan.
• Pali is a city in Rajasthan where Gavri Devi lived at the time of her death.
• Moksh Dham in Sarvodaya Nagar, Pali, was scheduled to host her last rites on 12 June 2026.

Folk Music in Rajasthan

Rajasthani folk music includes Mand, Maand, Panihari, and other regional forms linked with local history and oral tradition. Folk singers in Rajasthan have played a major role in preserving songs, ballads, and community memory.