Kanjar, notified as a criminal tribe during the colonial rule, are spread across north India. They prostitute their women, so they are considered as the most despicable tribes of India. They worship Bhavani along with the goddess Prabha (Light). The Kanjar use a protector-exorcist called a ‘Syaanaa’ (Wise one) to propitiate bad spirits.
The Chakri dance is a popular traditional dance of this tribe, performed by the womenfolk of Haroti region of Rajasthan, on marriages and festive occasions. They perform this dance whirling and singing to the beats of the Dholak.
