Designated by the broad term bhomia, these heroes are honoured, worshiped and remembered for their acts of martyrdom. Bhomias, such as Gogaji, Jejaji, Dev Narayan, Ramdevji and Pabhuji, have inspired widespread cult following among the communities of Rabaris, Gujjars, Meghwals, Regars and others. Illustrating the valorous tales of these bhomias, the phads, are carried by bhopas, the itinerant bards, who travel the territory, displaying them while narrating tales and singing devotional songs associated with these hero-deities in night-long storytelling performances. A lamp is held against the phad to illuminate images that are being spoken about.

What is the purpose of holding a lamp against the phad during performances?

To illuminate images being spoken about

Answer:  To illuminate images being spoken about
The lamp is held against the phad to illuminate the images that are being spoken about during the night-long storytelling performances.

Illustrating the valorous tales of the bhomias (cattle heroes), the phads, are carried by bhopas, the itinerant bards, who travel the territory, displaying them while narrating tales and singing devotional songs associated with these hero-deities in night-long storytelling performances. A lamp is held against the phad to illuminate images that are being spoken about. The bhopa and his companion perform to the accompaniment of musical instruments, such as ravanahattha and veena, and employ the Khyal style of singing. Through the phads and phad banchan, the community remembers the hero as a martyr and keeps his story alive. Phads, however, are not painted by the bhopas. They have traditionally been painted by a caste called ‘Joshis’ who have been painters in the courts of the kings of Rajasthan. These painters specialised in court patronised miniature paintings. Hence, the association of skilled practitioners, bard musicians and court artists place phads higher than other similar cultural traditions.