Kalbelia Dance from Rajasthan

Kalbelia Dance originates from the Kalbelia tribe of Rajasthan. Their profession includes catching snakes and trading snake venom, which is extracted without fatally harming the cobras. Thus, this dance form is made up of multiple snake-like, fluid movements and is a very intense, fast-paced dance. Both men and women perform it on auspicious occasions and festivals.

The costumes are self-made by the tribal folk and are generally black or red. They wear a blouse called Angrakhi; a long veil or scarf called odhani; and a long skirt called lengha.

The different instruments that hum along these performances are the pungi, dufli, been, khanjari, dholak and saranji.

A very interesting fact about this dance is that it is never taught to the younger generation; they are expected to learn this intricate dance form simply through observing the elder generation

It has been added to the ‘Intangible Heritage List’ by the UNESCO.