Khyal Khyal, a folk art form popular in Rajasthan as well. While the origin of Khyal remain uncertain, it is a establidhed fact that Agra was an important center. There are different styles, each known by the name of the city, the acting style, the community or the author. Subtleties demarcate these variations. The festive atmosphere in no way undercuts the religious undertones of an event.
Performances begin with hymns to the deities.
The plays are mythological, historical, or creative in content, and are marked by romance, brave deeds, and sentiment. Equally festive music is ensured by the nakkara or the dholak drum, cymbals, and the harmonium. The plays may be based on historical, mythological or folk stories, and are either narrated or enacted in the grandiose epic style. The songs are increasingly film-based, although folk music has not been abandoned. Performances can be staged anywhere, and are generally moralistic in tone.