Within each state of India there exists many separate subcultures of the greater Hindu culture, many of which are divided by caste or tribe, each having their own unique dance style. Rajasthan’s culture springs from the drastic climate and its geographic location. In a hot dry desert in the Northwest India, near the states of Punjab and Gujarat and the border of Pakistan, one might say, the colorful people make up for the sparseness of the land.

                           


Khalbelia 'Gypsy' Dance:
 From the desert region of India, Rajasthan, comes the snake charming dance of the Khalbelia 'Gypsies'. Wild and sensuous, the skilled dancers accentuate subtle, snake-like movements. As they dance, they fall into rapid spins, whirling their large black skirts adorned with ribbons of color. Dancers are accompanied by percussion and a wind instrument called the ‘poongi’, also known as the ‘snake charming flute’. In recent history the Sapera dancers were hired by great kings and maharajas as well as dancing within their community.

The Khalbelia are semi-nomadic, many living in loosely assembled shelters made of brush on the outskirts of towns. Due to their low status in the caste system, they are thought of as outcasts, often associated with squatters and thieves. The Khalbelia live much like they have for centuries.








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Ghoomar Dance:
Ghoomar dance is an elegant women’s dance done at times of celebration. It includes swaying movements, enhanced by the brightly colored veils and skirts flaring out as the women twirl in circles. This is an elegant circle dance with beautiful hand gestures and small hip movements. It can be performed as a solo or duet, but is generally thought to be more of a group dance.       
             
Ghoomar is the dance of the Rajput caste. Rajasthan, until only recently, was divided into kingdoms ruled by Maharaja’s who lived in extravagant palaces. The Rajput caste is the royal warrior caste and included the Maharaja’s family. Traditionally the dance is performed only by the women of the Maharaja’s court at the festival of Gauri Puja. Gauri is another name for Parvati, Shiva’s wife- the Mother Goddess (*In Hindi = Ma or Mata)
On the first day of this spring festival, women gather in front of the palace’s statue of Shiva and Parvati and dance for them in offering. They dance and sing asking for a good husband if unmarried and for the long life of their husbands if married. The songs and dance continue for two days with the statue of Gauri turned backwards on its alter. On the third day the statue is turned the same direction as Shiva, her husband. Women then parade in their colorful dresses and pots full of flowers balanced on their head through the streets carrying the statue to the bathing ghats of a local river or lake. Here they bathe the statue and dance for her one last time.
        
Today the dance is done at festivals and weddings as a celebration for all castes to enjoy. It is common to see women dancing Ghoomar into the late hours of the night. Women wear their finest Rajasthani dresses, which are often vibrant sunset colors. The outfit includes a large skirt, blouse and full sized Odni, all adorned with sequins and embroidery. The women spin as their skirts and light veils flow outward, creating a blossoming of color. Faces are hung down and veils warn over the eyes and nose so the only part of the dancers face you would see is their smile. A basic rhythm is established by footwork; spins are common and symbolic hand gestures are used to convey the story of the song.



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