Culture of the Thar
Music, dance, craft and cuisine shaped by centuries of desert life and royal patronage.
Experience It, Don't Just See It
Manganiyar & Langa Music
Hereditary musicians of the Thar, who have sung ballads of kings and lovers for generations. Listen for the bowed kamaicha, the khartal clappers and voices that carry across the dunes.
Kalbeliya Dance
A UNESCO-listed dance of the Kalbeliya community. Black skirts embroidered with mirrors swirl like serpents to the been (snake-charmer's pipe).
Ghoomar
The graceful royal dance of Rajasthan. Veiled dancers spin in vibrant ghagras, a fixture of celebrations and desert evenings.
Kathputli Puppetry
Painted wooden string puppets act out tales of Rajput valour, a favourite with families at camps and festivals.
The Desert Kitchen
Dal-baati-churma, ker sangri, gatte ki sabzi and bajre ki roti: the hearty, ingenious cuisine of a land with little water.
Camels & Herders
The 'ship of the desert' is still central to life here. Look for camels dressed in tassels and mirrors for festivals.
Experience a Cultural Evening
Most desert camps include a folk performance and a traditional dinner. Ask us which camps have the best musicians.
Cultural evening details Visit a desert village