Reviving Rajasthan’s Snake Charmer Heritage through Kalbelia Art

In the heart of Rajasthan, where the desert sands carry stories of resilience and beauty, Juhi Sharma and Meera Bai are leading a revival of the Kalbelia community’s quilt-making tradition through their organization Vamika. The project helps break the cycle of poverty locally by providing a dignified source of income for women skilled in this craft, enabling them to support their children’s education. Sustainability is a core value for Vamika. The group incorporates naturally dyed fabrics and locally sourced materials into their quilts, supporting both the environment and traditional crafting techniques. 

Traditionally, Gudadi quilts were created from old fabrics like shawls and bed sheets. Artisans then hand-stitch these fabrics into intricate, colorful designs, layering them with fine embroidery that often reflects snake motifs—a nod to the Kalbelia community’s heritage as snake charmers. Inspired by her roots in Kota, Rajasthan, Juhi Sharma reimagines this tradition by incorporating naturally dyed fabrics and locally sourced wool yarns, ensuring a modern touch in her designs. Juhi shares, “The products I design come to life through the expertise of a talented group of artisans,” and continues, “every artisan’s contribution is vital in transforming my designs into high-quality, culturally meaningful products.” The project goes beyond art; it creates a positive impact. With deep roots in Rajasthan’s cultural heritage, Vamika preserves the timeless art of Gudadi (handmade quilts) while empowering Kalbelia women to build sustainable futures.