From the Land of the Rajas: Creativity in Rajasthan

From the Land of the Rajas:

Creativity in Rajasthan

Gavari Ritual Drama

Gavari is a forty-day religious ceremony performed by the Bhil and Mina tribal peoples of southern Rajasthan. Held during the rainy season (July-August), Gavari honors Gauri, another name for the Hindu goddess Parvati, who is also worshipped during the Gangaur festival. The ritual is intended to ensure the well-being of the community and the village. The annual performances rotate between villages; while only Bhils perform them, other castes attend the performances and offer donations. All the roles are played by men, with troupes consisting of twenty to one hundred men.

Any open space can serve as a stage. For five to six hours each day; the troupe performs a series of episodes; on two occasions they last all night. Like many Indian rituals, these scenes blend secular, folk, and Hindu epic characters with references to local daily life. Despite some comic scenes, the Gavari ritual is generally solemn, ending with the appearance of gods and goddess, and often including trance among both performers and audience.

Puppets

Henna prints

Religious Paintings