The study was undertaken to explore, understand and document the livestock and livelihood related social realities and their interlinkages in rural societies of Sundarbans. Four case studies were conducted in 4 purposively selected distinct villages under 4 blocks of Sundarbans.

The paper provides an overview on some customs and beliefs of Raika pastoralists related to camel husbandry. Qualitative information was collected from 60 camel owning Raika families from 4 selected villages of Bikaner district of Rajasthan. Camels play a central and identifying role in various rituals, customs, traditions and ceremonial functions. Camel rearing has influenced the culture life of the Raikas to a great extent.