The decoration of the camel, known as the ship of the desert, rivals any royal pageantry. Anklets on its feet, a floral nose ring, a necklace of bells, and the ornate Gorbandh draped across its body highlight its majestic presence. These traditional ornaments not only enhance the animal's appearance but also showcase the rich traditional culture and passion of livestock owners.
Specialized Markets at Traditional Animal Fairs
Livestock owners do not need to visit jewelry showrooms to purchase these ornaments; instead, they eagerly wait for traditional animal fairs. The vibrant shops set up at these venues feature colorful accessories for camels and mares, drawing steady crowds of onlookers. While one side of the fair buzzes with animal trading, the other side sees brisk shopping for traditional adornments, offering visitors the experience of a unique world.
A wide variety of accessories is employed to groom and decorate camels for various occasions. Ghansham Patwa, a merchant who has been setting up his shop at the Mahashivratri animal fair for about 30 years, explains that camel ornamentation involves approximately twenty different types of items. These key pieces include anklets for the feet, face covers, nose flowers, reins, neck garlands, bell necklaces, the Gorbandh, black henna, Alapgir, and colorful decorative cloths wrapped around the legs.
Transformation of the Desert Ship
Donning these ornaments completely transforms the appearance of the camel. As it walks, the tinkling bells and colorful accessories capture everyone's attention, prompting livestock owners to invest in decorating their preferred camels. Furthermore, these beautifully adorned camels become a major center of attraction for people visiting the fair to take rides.
Gorbandh Ranks as the Most Expensive and Special Ornament
A notable feature of these ornaments is that they are crafted specifically for different parts of the camel's body, allowing owners to buy according to their preferences and budgets. Among all camel jewelry, the Gorbandh is considered the most expensive and prized item. It is draped over the camel during rides, and its intricate design and colorful decorations amplify the animal's striking appearance, creating a high demand among herders.
Prices Range from Ten Rupees to Fifteen Rupees
Merchant Ghansham Patwa states that camel ornaments at the Mahashivratri animal fair are available in a price range spanning from ten rupees up to fifteen thousand rupees. While smaller accessories are sold at lower rates, the heavily crafted Gorbandh created with special artistry reaches prices as high as fifteen thousand rupees.
