KALBELIA DANCE
FOLK DANCES OF INDIA -KALBELIA
Kalbelia is the one of the most sensuous dance forms of Rajasthan Region and performed by the kalbelia tribe. The Kalbelia dance is performed to celebrate any joyful moment in the community. It is an integral part of their culture. Male participants take care of the musical part of the dance. They use the different instruments Like Pungi, Dufli, Been, Khanjari, Morchang, khuralio and Dholak to create the rhythm and dancers perform. As the performance goes on, the rhythm becomes faster and faster, and hence, the dance. It looks like they are made of rubber. Their perfect movements to the enchanting tune of musical instruments is a treat to the eyes.
The Kalbelias were known for their frequent movement from one place to another in ancient times. Their main occupation is catching snakes and trading snake venom. Hence the dance movements and the costumes of their community bear a resemblance to that of the serpents. They are also known as Sapera, Jogira or Jogi. They follow Hindu religion.
The Kalbelia dancers (mainly female performers) wear long black skirts embroidered with silver ribbons. As they spin in a circle, their bodies sway acrobatically, sinuously to the accompaniment of the Pungi, Dufli and the plaintive notes of the “been”, the wooden instrument of the snake charmers. As the beat increases to such high pitch, free flowing voice, while others join in the dance. Their dance movements resemble that of the snakes.