Rabari people are a mystery. Their life style is totally different from any other tribe. Nowadays many foreigners do research on Rabari. A Rabari can be nomadic or Semi-nomadic. Most of the time, they wander with their herds. In Kutch, there are about 2500 to 3000 Rabari families. Out of them 70% are nomads and move with their herds to Gujarat, M.F. Orissa, Maharashtra and Karnataka in search of fodder and water.
Originally Rabaris came from Jaisalmer. Accordingly to one expert, Rabaris came to Kutch from Afghanistan through Baluchistan. Some expert`s believe that they came from Sindh.
There are two types of Rabari tribal sect namely Vagadias are found in the eastern Kutch while Dhebarias are mainly found in Anjar taluka. Dhebarias are the biggest percentage of these. Their main village is Midialo in Anjar Taluka, Nearly 800 families live in this small village. There are different costumes and dresses in sub castes, for women. The white dress is common to all Rabari men.
The woman wears black cloth because black wool is wastage. However, the Rabaris believe that the colour black is sad. Rabaris are illiterate. They have blind faith in religion. Their chief is called Bhopas. They are nature lovers. They worship, Mataji Sikotara, Momaya, Loladi, Bhed, Vankol, Amba, Khodiar, Hinglaj. Hinglaj Yatra is important to all Rabaris. They go to his shrine by foot and if some one dies on the way then a memorial stone are places with his name in his native village.
Rabari men respect women. Women do house work; shopping and they sell their goods. Men are mostly in the desert with their sheep and camels. Rabari do not trust doctors and only use Ayurvedie medicines.
These Rabaris who are settled in villages decorate their house with cowdung. In the cowdung they make designs of Futli, Faniari, Scorpio, Nag, Camel, A4or, Mango, tree, Sudo and Kanudo.
Rabari women do very interesting embroidery toran, thela, popat, blouse, gagra and also decorations for camels. Some women do bead work. Their houses are spotless. They usually live in groups.
