Rajasthan the colourful state in Western India is famous for its many folk and classical art forms - both in visual and performative forms. It requires a lifetime to learn about its rich cultural heritage and to see its many cities, village and desert.
Amongst the many kinds of song-dance fares popular in Rajasthan is Kalabelia, a folk dance form performed by the women from a nomadic tribe. In this the women wear black lehnga-Choli-Dupatta the traditional dress of Rajasthan. This dress is covered with bright coloured stripes. The entire ensemble gives the image of a femal cobra to the women dancers.
These women dance in groups, singing to the beats of fast and lilting tunes of their Rajasthani folk song. The dance involves fast swirls and foot movements to the beats of the song.
This dance is performed to propitiate the snake god Naga or cobra. In India, cobras are worshipped as semi-divie beings and are thought to bring prosperity, blessings and happiness to those who worship it. There is a secial festival instituted for the worship of the snake god. This festival is called Nagapanchami.
Outside Rajasthan, this dance form can be enjoyed at Surajkund in the month of February in a traditional handicrafts fair. The traditional artists from all over India come there to display their products and perform their arts.
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