Tera Taali Dance from Rajasthan

Tera Taali is a tribal dance performed by the Kamara tribe. It is generally performed by two or three women who sit on the ground. Thirteen manjiras (pairs of small hand cymbals) are tied to the different parts of their bodies. The dancers strike the manjiras to the beats of the accompanied songs sung by men. The women’s faces are veiled and they hold a naked sword between their teeth while performing. At the same time, they also balance a decorated pot on the head.

The musical instruments used are:

• i. Dhol
• ii. Dholki
• iii. Manjira
• iv. Saranji
• v. Pipudi
• vi. Algoza
• vii. Ektara
• viii. Ravan Hatta

Most costumes are very flamboyant with exotic jewelry. The women adorn a voluminous ghagra called lengha; a long blouse with short sleeves called kanjari; and a beautiful chunari on the head.

The dance is done in the praise of God Ramdeopeer.