Gypsy Steps

“India is the original home of the world’s major gypsy communities. Yet,until a few years ago,the country’s gypsies did not have a home themselves,and were not even counted in the census,” says film and culture activist Vinay Rai. Along with his wife Meenakshi,Rai has been working with tribals for several decades and have organised the ongoing Nomadic Fair and Festival at Azad Bhavan.

The festival raises awareness about tribal cultures by focusing on five main tribes — Kalbeliyas (snake charmers),Bhopas (bards),Maru Banjaras (transporters),Banwariyas (hunters) and the Gadia Lohars (ironsmiths). A Nomadic e-museum breaks myths about the Kalbeliyas and their relationship with deadly snakes as well as reveals how the tribe is also an expert in bamboo work and making chhilams. The Bhopas,often termed as social activists of ancient times by researchers,also play one of the oldest Indian musical instruments called the Ravanhathe,while the Banwariyas have a phenomenal knowledge of forest life and animals besides being adept at exquisite sequin work. “Urban viewers are amazed at the level of gender equality in tribes. Men,for instance,are great cooks while women are good hunters,” says Rai.

Organised in association with ICCR,the festival includes handicraft and food stalls as well as screenings of films like Children of Nomads,Maru Banjara and Bhopa — Ravanhathe ka Soorma. The six-day festival ends today with a screening of a 27-minute film Gadia Lohar. “Pandit Nehru tried to get the Gadia Lohars to settle down in 1952 but did not succeed. In the past few years,however,they have realised the importance of doing so,” says Rai.

The Nomadic Fair and Festival is on at Azad Bhavan,IP Estate. Contact: 23370633