Times of Rajasthan · Rajasthan Darshan

Kalbeliya — the serpent dance, a UNESCO heritage

Bodies sway like serpents to the pungi; on UNESCO’s intangible heritage list since 2010.

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Black veils, glinting mirrors

Black skirts with embroidery and mirror-work — the dancer glows like a flame on stage.

Prajeshdutta / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Serpent grace

Fast spins, supple backs and bends to the ground — the dance is inspired by the snake.

Manojmeena / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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The pungi’s call

The men play the pungi and daf; the faster the tune, the faster the dance.

Dennis G. Jarvis / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

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World heritage

In 2010 UNESCO inscribed Kalbeliya songs and dances as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Kenneth Lewis / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)