Chakri in Hindi means Circle or Circular Rotation and Chakri Dance is one of the most popular folk dances of Kanjar Tribe. Kanjar tribe inhabited in some parts of Kota and Baran Districts of Rajasthan.
History says that the tribes of Baran and Kota district were the first who came up with this dance form. It became famous and spread to other parts of Rajasthan. This dance form is exclusively performed by Women. Music is important and an essential part of the Chakri Dance. Traditional singers sing and women dance in tune with the song. Dholak, Nagara, Thali, Bankia and Harmonium are the main instruments used.
Women, colorfully dressed, wearing jewelry hold earthenware or brass Chari pots on their heads. Often the Chari are set on lit Diya (oil lamp) or fire with cotton seeds immersed in oil. The dancers perform graceful movements of limbs and deep swirls of knees without touching the pot.
