A night school established in Bhairwai village, Ajmer (Kishangarh tehsil) has been providing education and empowerment to Kalbeliya women for the past year.

About Kalbeliya Dance

• Kalbeliya dance, also known as Sapera dance, is an integral part of Kalbeliya tribal culture and symbolizes their nomadic heritage.
• Cultural Significance: It is deeply linked to their traditional role as snake charmers and is inspired by serpent movements.
• Recognition: In 2010, UNESCO inscribed Kalbeliya dance on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
  • The dance is globally recognized as a unique art form of Rajasthan and a symbol of India’s rich folk traditions.
• Features and Performance: Both men and women participate in Kalbeliya dance performances.
  • Women wear flowing black skirts and perform graceful twirls and serpent-like movements.
  • Men provide musical accompaniment using traditional instruments like:
    • Khanjari (percussion instrument)
    • Poongi (woodwind instrument used for snake charming)
  • Dancers adorn traditional tattoo designs, wear intricate jewellery, and dress in richly embroidered garments decorated with mirror work and silver thread.

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About the Kalbeliya Community

• Introduction: The Kalbeliya are a nomadic tribe from Rajasthan, historically known for their expertise in snake charming, folk songs, and dance performances.
• Groups: They are divided into two main groups; Daliwal and Mewara.
• The community is also referred to by other names such as; Sapera, Jogira, Gattiwala, and Poogiwara.
• Religious and Burial Practices: Although the Kalbeliyas follow Hinduism, they do not cremate their dead. Instead, they bury the deceased and place an idol of Lord Shiva’s Nandi bull on the grave as a mark of respect.
• Historical Significance: The 12th and 13th centuries were considered the golden era for the Kalbeliyas
• Their decline began after Prithviraj Chauhan’s defeat by Muhammad Ghori, which led to their reduced prominence.
• Traditional Occupation: The Kalbeliya were traditionally snake charmers and earned their livelihood by performing with snakes at public gatherings and trading in snake venoms.
  • Their profession was severely affected by the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which prohibited snake handling, forcing them to seek alternative livelihoods.
• Current livelihood: Many members of the community have since shifted to occupations such as folk dance performances, handicrafts, and small businesses.

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