The Rabari

The Rabari tribe



In the region of North Gujarat, especially in the region of Kutch one of the most interesting ethnic communities is Rabari.  Rabari people can be easily identified by looking at their women folk, who are usually clad with long black head scrapes, distinctive heavy brass earrings which hang low, stretching the earlobes.

Traditional attire for Rabari's men

The Rabari traditional attire is quite intetersting and unique for both men and women. Men wear dhoti and on the top a short double breasted waist coat all white and  laced over the chest and tied, long sleeves which are gathered up and folded at the arms and a white turban.  

Traditional attire for Rabari's women

Rabari women dress in black pleated jackets or open-backed blouses, full black skirts and tie-dyed head cloths, and always deck themselves with heavy silver jewellery and ivory bangles around the upper arms.

They are mostly vegetarian and apparently shun alcoholic drinks. There are three to four meals at a wedding with 'Laddu', 'Lapsi', sweet rice or savoury 'Khichadi'. 

                               

Garbha Raas dance 

                                     Stick is the major things in Garbha Raas dance.

 Cultural activities include folk dances called 'Garbha' and 'Raas' originating in certain religious observances and later associated with social occasions. Raas is popular with Rabaris staying in the Banni and Vaghad region. Rabaris girls perform Garbha and boys do the Dandiya Rass.

Dancing all day on Duserra celebration

Furthermore, the most famous Rabaris celebrations is Dussera also spelt as Dussehra in Dasada sees Rabaris in a festive mood, dancing all night long. Fairs are held at the temples of Krishna and Thakorji Maharaj where Rabaris gather after travelling for great distances.