Kalbelia Dance Rajasthan One of the most sensuous dance forms of Rajasthan, performed by the kalbelia “snake – charmers” community. The kalbelia dancers wear long black skirts embroidered with silver ribbons. As they spin in circle, their body sways acrobatically, sway sinuously to the accompaniment of pungi, dufli and plaintive notes of the “been” – the wooden instrument of the snake charmers. So that it is impossible to believe that they are made of anything other than rubber. As the beat increases to such high pitch, free flowing voice, while others join in the dance. The vigorous and zestful display of their perfect movements to the enchanting tune of musical instruments is a treat to the eyes.
To be enamored by a performances of Kalbelia Folk Dance and Songs, head towards the Thar Desert. The timeless desert is where it originated and is till date a cherished part of the culture. Attend a performance at Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Barmer, Jalore, Pushkar or Jaipur. The folk dance have gained international recognition and now is an integral part of the heritage of Rajasthan tour Packages.
Interesting facts about Kalbelia Dance
- There are no training institutes for learning Kalbelia Dance Rajasthan. Instead, children are expected to learn while watching seniors perform.
- UNESCO’s representative of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity has named Kalbelia Dance and songs on their list.
- According to tradition the sound of the Been i.e. is played during the dance protects the community when snakes are caught and venom removed.
- The Kalbelia community also believe that the Surma made from snake’s venom will prevent them from losing eyesight.
- The Kalbelia women makes the dresses they wear during performances.
- The lyrics are generated spontaneously by the masters of Kalbelia Dance Rajasthan which helps in improvising the live dance performance.
History of Kalbelia Dance Festival
Kalbelia Dance Rajasthan It is said that the Kalbelia people used to move from one place to another quite frequently. And their main occupation was to capture snakes and deal in their venom. The history of these people can be traced back to a yogi who was also the 12th disciple of Guru Gorakhnath. A great number of these people can be found in the Pali district along with Ajmer, Chittorgarh, and Udaipur district.
This festival has been a very vital part of the Kalbelia culture. In fact, the Kalbelia songs and dances have been an integral part of Rajasthan and also are a part of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in India. This festival is mainly celebrated by the Kalbelia Dance Rajasthan community which is one of the nomadic tribes of Rajasthan Monuments. It is said that earlier the tribal men from the Kalbelia community used to carry snakes from one house to another in their baskets. The women of the community would also accompany them and would dance and sing to earn their livelihood.
Costume of Kalbelia Dance
The dancers wear a tattoo of traditional designs on their hands and embellish themselves with Angrakhi (a shirt-like garment), Odhani (a piece of cloth that covers the head), and a black swirling Lengha (Long Skirt). Their costumes are made with a combination of both black and Red colors with embroideries made with silk threads and mirror works that give soothing visuals to the eyes Kalbelia Dance Rajasthan.
Best 08 Folk Dances From Rajasthan
- Ghoomar: Ghoomar is one of the famous traditional folk dance of Rajasthan that performed on auspicious occasions. It was ranked on the fourth number in the list of “Top 10 local dances around the world” in 2013. Ghoomar is frequently performed on special functions, like festivals, weddings, and religious occasions. As a traditional dance, Ghoomar frequently involves traditional songs like “Podina”, “Gorband”, “Mor Bole Re”, and “Rumal”.
- Bhavai: Bhavai dance is a folk dance in which women balancing a number of pots on their heads and dancing around. This is exactly that dance ritual by specific Rajasthani communities – Jats, Kumhar, Kalbelia, Meena, and Bhil. This type of folk dance is performed by only traditional artists. While balancing the pots they turn around within the circumference of a glass or a plate. Kalbelia Dance Rajasthan Male performers play music instruments involving dholak, harmonium, sarangi, and sing along.
- Kalbelia: Kalbelia dance is popularly known as the snake charmer dance. In this folk dance, Women are dressed in ethnic attire and dance to folk music which men play some popular instruments include khanjari, pungi (a percussion & woodwind musical instruments), and dholak (a hand drum). Women wear Angrakhi and Odhani on a long skirt to perform this Kalbelia Dance Rajasthan.
- Kachchhi Ghodi: Kachchhi Ghodi is a famous folk dance and this dance was started in the ‘Shekhawati’ region and it is performed by men artists in traditional costumes I.e. Dhoti-Kurta and turbans. In this folk dance, men ride on a puppet horse at the time of the dance performance. There is background music involving percussion and flute rhythm. This type of folk dance is also performed at different social gatherings and weddings. This folk dance is an energetic dance that involves mock sword fights which signifies chivalry and bravery.
- Gair: This is also one of the popular folk dances in Rajasthan state and Gair dance originated from the Bhil community performed on major festivals like Holi and Janmashtami. Traditional Artists involving women and men perform this dance in colorful costumes. Women wear Ghagra Choli. Men wear lengthy traditional attire with a stick, sword, and arrow. This folk dance is a dramatic performance when men hit sticks to a strong rhythm. The music of the folk dance is played on many traditional instruments while dancers perform attractive steps in anti-clockwise, and clockwise circles.
- Chang: This kind of folk dance is also called ‘Dhamal’. Dancers of this kind of folk dance perform fast-paced steps to the rhythm of Chang. This is a different type of instrument such as a tambourine. This folk dance performance is started in the Bikaner, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Churu. This folk dance performs commonly in celebrations of the Holi Festival in Rajasthan. In this folk dance, men dressed in traditional women costumes and sing, dance, and do the Ghoomar carouse which attracts the viewers.
- Kathputli Dance: The Kathputli dance is performed by the puppets conducted by the strings which the artists control. This cultural program is the same as a puppet show and comprises a Putli (doll), and Kath (wood). This dance form is created by Bhat tribes. Kalbelia Dance Rajasthan The artist also made voices such as puppets for the dolls to converse. Kathputli Dance Artists tell mythological stories of tribes, and also about the social issues of the country.
- Chari: This dance form is a sign of joy started by the Gurjar community of Kishangarh, and the Saini community in Ajmer. This folk performance is performed by women for special functions such as festivals, weddings, or when a male child is born. Traditional artistes perform a stunt balancing on top of their Chari (head brass pots) with a burning lamp inside. Music instruments involving Dholak, Kalbelia Dance Rajasthan Harmonium, and Nagada play alongside.