A 15 day camp on Kalbelia dance is a hub of information and performances. It is organised by Tribal Folk Kala and Boli Vikas Akademi at Tribal Museum.
In the camp the dance tradition of the Kalbelia community was discussed by the artists present in the camp. About 30 artists from Dewas and Harda have participated in the camp and a residential camp has been organized for the selection and sophistication of the traditional Kalbelia dance of the artists.
During the discussion, the artists shared that Kalbelia dance is an expression of the traditional lifestyle of the Kalbelia community. During the dance, the women dance around in a circular ghagra, while the men play 'khanjari' and bean instruments. It is to be noted that the tradition of this dance started in the Dwapar era. When Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain and protected the people of Gokul-Vrindavan. Since then the tradition of Barei dance has been going on among the people of the Gwal community.
Notably, the Kalbelia dance, performed to celebrate any joyful moment in the community, is an integral part of Kalbelia culture.
The dance and songs are a matter of pride and a marker of identity for the Kalbelias and they represent the creative adaptation of this community of snake charmers to changing socio-economic conditions and their own role in rural Rajasthani society.
