Barmer/Bali: Iconic mand folk singer Jaffrey Devi, who received national recognition for her contribution to traditional music and dedicated nearly eight decades to preserving the musical heritage of Rajasthan, passed away at her residence in Pali district on Thursday evening. It was 98.
According to her family members, Gavri Devi has been suffering from age-related ailments for quite some time. She breathed her last around 8 pm at her ancestral home in Jaffrey Nagar, Desori. Her last rites were held on Friday, attended by artistes, fans and members of the cultural fraternity from all over Rajasthan, they said.
Jaffrey Devi is considered one of the most important pioneers of mand singing, and has played an important role in taking traditional Rajasthani folk music to audiences across India and abroad. One of her songs, “Kesariya Balam…” became closely associated with Rajasthan’s cultural identity and hospitality, earning her fame beyond the state.
Throughout a musical journey spanning several decades, she has remained committed to preserving and promoting Mand culture, one of the oldest and most revered folk traditions of Rajasthan. Known for its expressive and romantic style, Mands are believed to have originated in the Jaisalmer region historically known as Mands and were once closely associated with the royal courts.
Devi’s most popular songs include “Mor Bole Re Malji”, “Baga Chalo Kesariya”, “100 Koson Door Base Mara Sajan” and “Dhola Mare Des Mein Nipje Teen Ratna”. Her devotional and Sufi-inspired performances have also received widespread appreciation.
Throughout her career, she has performed on major cultural platforms across the country and has remained associated with Doordarshan and All India Radio throughout her career. In recognition of her contribution to folk music, she received the Veer Durgadas Rathore Lifetime Achievement Award from the Government of Rajasthan.
Condolences on her death, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said Jaffrey Devi’s death was an irreparable loss to the cultural heritage and folk music of Rajasthan.
“The news of the death of famous mand singer Gavri Devi in Bali is very sad. Her death is an irreplaceable loss to the world of folk music and the cultural heritage of Rajasthan,” Sharma said.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed his grief and said, “Gavri Devi performed mand singing for several decades and became synonymous with this folk art. Her demise is an irreparable loss to the art and culture sector of Rajasthan.”
