Kalbeliya- Parivratta Ustrasan: Revolved Camel Pose

This is a tribute to the deserts of Rajasthan, and Kalbeliya dancers who live off the land and create with it. In my latest trip to Rajasthan, I was fortunate enough to witness their private performance and this painting is dedicated to their advanced craft. They are a nomad tribe, categorized as belonging to scheduled tribes. They make a living catching snakes and trading snake venom; hence, their dance movements and the costumes bear a resemblance to those of the serpents.

As I was witnessing the dance I could see close resemblance to “Kathak” a celebrated Indian classical dance patronized by nawabs and Royalty and also to Sufi twirling. Their music is usually improvised on the spot, based on their own folk lores, however they have started singing modern pop music to attract more audience. Their bodies are impossibly flexible as you can in this revolved camel pose where the dancers head is touching her feet.

This pose is particularly helpful for the back, and also stretches the abdominal muscles and shoulders simultaneously, helping maintain digestive health and healthy back while toning the glutes and hamstrings.