KALBELIYA

Enter the realm of the Kalbeliya.

Folk Traditions of Rajasthan

The desert is rich. Rich in culture. Rich in beauty. Rich in prayer.

Expansive, wild, colorful, the Rajasthani Desert is anything but barren.

The Kalbeliya are a musical tribe from Rajasthan, India. They are commonly known for their exquisite folk dance, music, traditional dress, and snake charming. The name Kalbeliya is translated to "the friend of the snake". There is an essence of fire, of uninhibited joy and passion that the Kalbeliya exude. Their charm will intoxicate you into a world of possibility, devotion, vibrancy, and soul.

The repertorie of dance and music is passed down orally through generations. The children begin to learn dance and music at very early ages that engrains into their beings, offering a path of mastery.

The women traditoinally are dancers, beaders and dress makers. These traditional pieces are hand beaded by Raki (pictured above) and her family. Cloves are often threaded in the larger necklaces to ward off negative energies and invite auspicousness.

Traditional Beaded Jewelry

The jewlery is handcrafted by Raki Kalbeliya and her family in the deserts of Pushkar, Rajasthan. Her mother Kosuma, sisters Sonia & Sunita and their daughters Jeena, Succia and Sajena began beading and crafting jewlery and textiles since they were children. The joy and vibrancy that is woven into these necklaces will ignite and inspire your spirit to LIVE IN COLOR.

For years Raki was holding space at her school, "Kalbeliya Arts Academy", where young children in the village would come to learn how to read and write, play music, and dance. The school has now since been shut down since COVID began, and there has been very little tourism and opportunities to perform to support herself and her three children financially.

Proceeds from your purchase will go back to the Kalbeliya tribe, Rajasthani artists, and communities in India who I have grown close with over these last years. Covid has been very devestating to these communities and with your support, we can nourish eachother in reciprocity and care.