Charotari

Charotari is a term used in some South Asian linguistic regions with several related but distinct meanings. In cultural contexts, Charotari often describes a form of informal folk performance that blends music, dance, improvised verse, humor, and social commentary. These performances are typically part of local festivals, fairs, or celebrations and are rooted in oral tradition rather than formal theater.

Etymology and usage vary by region; the exact origin of the term is not standardized in English-language sources. In some accounts, Charotari is linked to Gujarati- or Marathi-speaking areas, while in others it appears as a broader label for lively street performance. Because of regional variation, Charotari may refer to the performance itself, the troupe, or the event.

The term also appears as a place name or surname in certain communities, though such uses are separate from the performance sense. Historical references to Charotari appear in ethnographic and travel writings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, often describing local entertainment that satirized social life or contemporary issues.

In contemporary usage, Charotari is less widely documented in formal literature, but it can still be encountered in regional media and oral histories. Related concepts include folk theater and festival performance, where improvisation and communal participation are common elements.