The recent rise in popularity of the “Chendavia” app amongst Kalbeliya dance aficionados, particularly heightened during the Covid-19 pandemic, places a spotlight on the marvelous and culturally rich traditions of the Rajasthani Kalbeliya community. Diverse in its elements with a rich repertoire of dance, music, attire, and folklore, let’s journey through some key points that shed light on this tribe’s noteworthy cultural heritage.
Understanding the Kalbeliya Dance
Central to the Kalbeliya tribe of Rajasthan, Kalbeliya dances are an eloquent narrative of their traditional lifestyle. Marked by swirling, alluring movements, it is one of India’s most sensuous folk dances. Seen routinely at joyous celebrations, only women perform this dance as men provide instrumental accompaniment. It earned global recognition in 2010 when it was included in UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, initiated in 2008 under the Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. This list seeks to highlight the diversity and significance of cultural heritage.
The Richness of Attire and Instruments
One cannot miss the vibrant visual spectacle offered by the performers’ traditional dress and accessories. The dancers, adorned with flowing black skirts, traditional tattoo designs and jewellery with intricate mirror work and silver thread embroidery, mimic serpentine movements. Male members of the tribe play the “khanjari” and the “poongi”, a traditional snake charming woodwind instrument, creating an enchanting musical backdrop.
The Art of Kalbeliya Songs
The Kalbeliya community is acclaimed for their spontaneously composed lyrics and improvised songs during performances. Their songs, often steeped in mythology, are not merely for entertainment but also modes of transmitting knowledge through generations. Interestingly, there exist no formal texts or training manuals for these songs; they are an integral part of the tribe’s oral tradition.
The Kalbeliya Tribe: From Snake Handlers to Artists
Once professional snake handlers, the Kalbeliya tribe has transformed its unique past into a captivating form of art. Today, they lead a nomadic life and belong to the scheduled tribes. The tribe is most densely populated in Pali district, followed by Ajmer, Chittorgarh, and Udaipur districts in Rajasthan.
Other Traditional Folk Dances of Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s cultural heritage is not just limited to Kalbeliya; it flaunts an array of other folk dances as well. Some of these include Gair, Kachchhi Ghodi, Ghoomar, and Bhavai, each with their distinct style and charm, reflecting the region’s rich cultural diversity.
Through this exploration of the Kalbeliya community and their celebrated art forms, we hope you’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the immense cultural wealth and variety found within this tribe and across Rajasthan.
