Gavri Festival

Gavri Festival : Every year, following the full moon of Raksha Bandhan in August month, the Mewar Bhils begin Gavri, a vibrant folk ritual.

• About Gavri Festival : A 40-day seasonal ritualistic folk performance tradition, practiced by the Bhil community in southern Rajasthan, particularly in Udaipur and adjoining districts.

o Who Performs: Male performers, known as khelyas, form troupes that travel from village to village, including the homes of their married sisters and daughters.

o They perform khels (dance-dramas), songs, and sacred rites.

o Divine Dedication: Gavri is performed in honour of Gorkhiya Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, whom the Bhils regard as their sister.

ü It also invokes Lord Shiva and narrates mythological tales like the story of Shiva and the demon Bhasmasur.

o Themes and Symbolism: Celebrates the victory of good over evil, as seen in plays like the battle between Goddess Amba and demon Bhiamwal.

ü Despite being a patriarchal society, men perform all roles, including those of women, to honour feminine divinity.

• About the Bhil Tribe: Considered one of the oldest tribal communities in India.

o They belong to the Australoid racial group and are identified as Dravidian tribes of Western India.

o The term ‘Bhil’ is derived from the Dravidian word villu or billu, meaning bow, reflecting their traditional skills as archers.

o Geographical Distribution: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

o Occupation: The majority are engaged in agriculture.

o Language: They speak Bhili, an Indo-Aryan language with multiple regional dialects.

o They worship local deities such as: Khandoba, Kanhoba, Bahiroba, and Sitalmata

ü The Tiger God known as Vaghdev is especially revered.