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Folk traditions and culture hold a central position in Indian society, where folk deities are accorded great significance. These deities are viewed as protectors who maintain social, psychological, and cultural balance, addressing communal issues and ensuring peace and contentment for their followers. The belief in these deities fosters a sense of spiritual unity and shared cultural heritage among communities. Core elements such as religion, tradition, spirituality, faith, and collective reverence are essential pillars supporting Indian social and cultural frameworks. The worship of folk deities, rooted in strong faith, has significantly contributed to the growth of minor cultural identities within the broader Indian cultural context. These deities, deeply connected to the traditions of rural communities, represent the foundation of grassroots cultural practices. In Rajasthan, many such deities, believed to have once lived as humans, gained widespread respect and devotion through their acts of altruism and public welfare. Over time, this admiration transformed them into divine figures in the collective memory of the people. These deities have become legendary heroes, serving as focal points for the evolution of folklore, cultural traditions, and folk music. Today, deities such as Ramdevji, Devnarayanji, Pabhuji, Gogaji, Tejaji, and Harbhuji continue to be revered, playing a vital role in shaping the spiritual and cultural identity of Rajasthan.

Folk tradition, folk deities, cultural heritage, rural communities, folklore, minor culture, broader culture, Rajasthan