Dear reader,
Welcome to Kutch Adventures India .
Today I’m sharing some pictures with brief story of Dhebar Rabari-one of the most interesting traditional community living in Kutch who are known for their nomadic lifestyle, along with their sheep, goats and camels and their beautiful Rabari Embroideries that has made them world famous.
History of Rabari: Mythological stories inks Rabari back with Shiva and Himalayan Valley. The recent history reveals that they moved down to Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) to Gujarat and to Kutch. Some people also believe Gypsies in Europe could also be one of their decedent families. Anyway in Kutch, district of Gujarat state, Rabari are divided (actually I’d prefer to use the term “Known”) in 3 sub-group. “Kutchi, Dhebar and Vagadiya”
1-Kutchi Rabari (or Katchhi Rabari) who believed to have settled in Kutch longer than other groups) 2-Vagadiya Rabari (living in Vagad-North East region in Kutch) and 3-Dhebariya/ Dhebar Rabari (semi-nomadic group who are still migrating from one place to another in search of grass and water)
I’ve spent a lot of time with various communities of Kutch such as Mutva, Halepotra, Pathan, Marwada Harijan, Sodha, Jat, Rabari, etc including Dhebar Rabari while touring people around Kutch region however recent visit of Dhebar Rabari family was one of the best experience I consider so far because it was off the Tourist circuit. 100 km west of Bhuj, near Banni region, my Rabari friend Lakhabhai Rabari’s family was camping with their approx. 100 goats and sheep along with “goods carrier”-Camel 🙂
During our stay we came to know about various issues that Rabari (or any other shepherds) are facing such as shortage of grass land as the region Kutch is gradually becoming industrial after the earthquake of 2001. Their dependency on Nature (grassland) which is now captured by some industries and expanded human population, the future of this nomadic group seems in danger. Besides all of these, they have to cope with drought, cattle dieses, shortage of grassland and water, and no access to the medical or any other emergency help. However in my observation, I learnt that those who are living most naturally, the Nature takes care of them and that can be seen in their self-confidence, physical and mental strength to deal with all those obstacles they’re facing and most of all simplicity and satisfaction they have, could be secret of their existence.
I wish you can also spend some time with them while you’re travelling in Kutch, Gujarat. For more information you can visit https://www.kutchadventuresindia.com/
Cheers!