Renowned Mand folk singer Gavri Devi, who dedicated nearly eight decades to preserving Rajasthan's musical heritage, died at her residence in Pali district on Thursday evening. She was 98.
Gavri Devi had been suffering from age-related ailments for some time and 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.
She was known for her renditions of 'Kesariya Balam…', 'Mor Bole Re Malji', 'Baga Chalo Kesariya', '100 Koson Door Base Mara Sajan', and 'Dhola Mare Des Mein Nipje Teen Ratna', which became closely associated with Rajasthan's cultural identity and hospitality.
Gavri Devi received the Veer Durgadas Rathore Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rajasthan government in recognition of her contribution to folk music.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot condoled her death, saying it was an irreparable loss to Rajasthan's cultural heritage and folk music.
