India is a land of mystery, magic, and incredible culture. And one tribe that manages to capture the exotic magic of this great country is the Rabari (also called the Rewari or Desai).
The Rabari, who are believed to have migrated from Iran more than a millennium ago, have roamed Western India for almost 1,000 years. Their intricate embroidery, magnificent brass jewelry, and tattoos are legendary.
For hundreds of years, the women have adorned their bodies with magical symbols that are considered both decorative and reli
gious. The men often wear white with elaborate jewelry and turbans.
The Rabari, also called the Rewari or Desai, are an indigenous tribal caste of nomadic cattle and camel herders and shepherds that live throughout northwest India, primarily in the states of Gujarat, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
Other Rabari groups also live in Pakistan, especially in the region of the Sindh Desert. The word “Rabari” translates as “outsiders”, a fair description of their primary occupation and status within Indian society. Moving mainly through the regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat, they go back to their village once a year and make their living by selling milk.
Completely nomads in the past, they are now semi-nomads, moving from their village according to the seasons. Nowadays, many Rabari has abandoned the nomadic lifestyle for modern life, settling down in the cities.
The exact origin of the Rabari people is unknown. It is most likely that they migrated to India from Iran via Afghanistan through Baluchistan around a thousand years ago, although this has been disputed by some experts, who propose
a stronger relationship with the Rajputs of Rajasthan.
The majority of Rabari, which include 133 recognized sub casts, follow the Hindu faith. According to their creation myth, they were created by Matadevi (Pavarti), the consort of Lord Shiva, and the great mother goddess of India.
As one version of the story goes, she cleaned dust and sweat from Shiva as he meditated and molded a camel from the dirt, while in another version, he creates the first camel for her as an amusement.
However it kept running away, P
arvati created the first Rabari to mind it. Keeping animals is therefore regarded as a near-sacred occupation by the Rabari who see themselves as their herds’ custodians rather than their owners.
Marriage, which celebrates the vitality of life and ensures its continuity, is considered of utmost importance. Traditionally, weddings can be extravagant events, and they take place on a particular day of the year: the feast of Go
kulashtami, Krishna’s birthday.
The event is awaited with both jubilation and a touch of fear. Normally friendly and hospitable, Rabari tribals turn hostile and suspicious on Gokulashtami Day. Outsiders are unwelcome and are told so in no uncertain terms.
Childhood marriage is still very much in vogue, however, adult marriages are also performed through negotiation. Rabaris marry only within the group and often into families that are closely related. Remarriage is permitted for both the widow and widower.
