A dance form originated from Banjara, the nomadic community of Andhra Pradesh is Lambadi, a folk art form with centuries’ old tradition and heritage. Banjara is a tribal community popularly known to sell commodities moving from one place to another. When they happened to get stagnated at one place over a time period, the art forms native to their community becomes widely popular and learnt by others as well.

An insight into the tradition and culture of Lambadi dance gives us interesting facts. Lambadi dance is performed as a worship to the God praying for good yield. Female members of the group are usually the lead performers but there is no restrictions for male artistes to be a part of the show. Men usually support the women by playing the relevant instruments rather dancing as the steps involve very soft and gentle movements.

The costumes used by dancers while performing Lambadi dance is indeed very gorgeous and colourful. A colourful blouse or shirt with a long skirt is the traditional costume used for the dance. The odhani or dhupatta is worn around the head and it can be seen that all the costumes are heavily embroidered with glass work. On the whole the costumes and the apparels used by the Lambadi dancers have close resemblance to that of Rajasthani women.

It is indeed a joyful experience to witness the women dancing in a rhythm and you will be surprised to notice their hand movements closely related to sowing, planting and even harvesting, exhibiting their culture as agrarian groups deviated from nomadic nature.

Dussehra, Holi and Deepavali are the prominent occasions when Lambadi dancers are invited to exhibit their talents and festive offerings are given as an appreciation to their talents.

Make it a point to enjoy a show of Lambadi dance when you are planning a tour across Andhra Pradesh.