Plan your next vacation with Lambadi community, the desert dwellers in Rajasthan

By Rashmi Hemrajani

India is home to a large number of indigenous people, who still live by their traditional customs. It is said that there are more than 8 million Indians that are categorised as tribals. Also known as adivasi, they depend on hunting, agriculture, art and fishing. The Indian government over the years has also helped them by providing education, midday meals and more.

The reason, we at ET-Travel are celebrating them today is because they are still connected to their roots. We suggest you plan your next vacation around them. Yes, plan a trip to Sikkim to learn about the Bhutias tribe, Uttar Pradesh to know about the Tharu tribe, Himachal Pradesh to understand the customs of the Gujjar tribe. Home to Baiga tribe (Madhya Pradesh) and Liangmai tribe (Manipur) and Great Andamanese, each of these tribes are with a strong self identity. Some tribes have stories as old as 400 years old. Are you ready to go back in time?

Lambadis Region:

Rajasthan Lambadis are also known as the the Gypsies of the Deccan. The lambadi community is part of the Banjara or the nomadic tribes. Originally from Rajasthan, many centuries ago these 'forest wanderers' moved in large groups towards Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra, for trade and agriculture. The women wear bright ornate clothes, ivory bangles and are very distinctive in their appearance. Singers of the community, known as Dadhis perform songs with the sarangi. Folk art of Lambadi community includes dance, rangoli, embroidery, tattooing, music and painting.

Festivals:

The girls of the community celebrate Teej. During this festival, unmarried girls pray for a good groom. Girls sow seeds in bamboo bowls and water it thrice a day for nine days and if the sprouts grow 'thick and high', it is considered as a good omen for their future groom. They also celebrate Holi with much fanfare.

Did you know? Lambani women specialise in lepo embroidery on clothes by stitching together glass pieces in different blends and designs. Other crafts done by the community are classified as Sandur Lambani and have received a Registered Geographic Indication tag enabling them to exclusively market the wares.


Dancing traits: The Lambadi women wear coloured outfits, folk ornaments and bangles and sing and dance to traditional music