Kalbelia

The Kalbelia are a nomadic tribal community primarily found in Rajasthan, India. Their name is derived from the word 'kalbelia', which translates to snake. Historically, they were snake charmers and snake handlers, a tradition that continues to be a significant part of their cultural identity, though many have also found alternative livelihoods.

The Kalbelia are renowned for their vibrant folk music and dance. Their dances are characterized by sensuous, fluid movements, often imitating the serpentine grace of a cobra. The dancers, typically women, wear brightly colored, embroidered skirts and blouses, adorned with jewelry. The accompanying music features instruments like the pungi (a woodwind instrument similar to a snake charmer's flute), dholak (a double-headed drum), and khanjari (a small frame drum). Their music and dance are often performed during celebrations and festivals.

Traditionally, the Kalbelia lived a nomadic lifestyle, traveling from village to village with their snakes. While snake charming is still practiced by some, it has faced increasing restrictions due to wildlife protection laws. Consequently, many Kalbelia have transitioned to other occupations such as labor, crafts, and street performance. Their cultural heritage, particularly their music and dance, is recognized for its artistic merit and has gained international appreciation, even being inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The community largely resides in the desert regions of Rajasthan, adapting to their environment.