The Bhil community of Mewar in Rajasthan celebrates Gavri, a vibrant 40-day ritual festival that blends spirituality, performance, and deep-rooted cultural identity. Held annually after the full moon following Raksha Bandhan in August, the festival is dedicated to Gorkhiya Mata, a revered deity, and honours goddess Parvati, whom the Bhils regard as their sister.
For the first time, this rich cultural tradition has been introduced to a wider audience through a photo exhibition at the India International Centre Art Gallery, bringing attention to the Bhils’ living oral literature and ritual heritage.
The Significance of Gavri
Gavri is not merely a festival—it is a sacred, communal experience. During the 40 days, Bhil troupes travel from village to village across Udaipur and surrounding districts, performing khels, or dance-dramas, that combine trance, song, and religious ceremony. These performances are offerings to Gorkhiya Mata and serve as powerful expressions of Bhil identity and devotion.
A Festival of Performance and Parody
Gavri’s atmosphere is carnivalesque, combining dance, humour, and social commentary. Through parody, performers challenge caste, class, and even divine authority—no figure, not even kings or gods, is immune to satire. In a society where gender roles are traditionally rigid, male performers portray female characters, introducing moments of gender fluidity rarely seen in Bhil culture. For the duration of the festival, Bhil performers are revered as gods, temporarily reversing their everyday social marginalisation.
Cultural Memory and Political Voice
Gavri performances are deeply rooted in Bhil cosmology and history. Tales like Badliya Hindwa reflect the community’s reverence for nature, while plays like Bhilurana recount their resistance against Mughal and British forces. These dramas often conclude with blessings from the goddess and moral warnings—urging audiences not to violate nature or Bhil autonomy.
In essence, Gavri is more than a festival—it is a ritual act of cultural preservation, spiritual resistance, and social empowerment, passed down through generations in oral form. Now, through art and exhibition, this once-local tradition is receiving long-overdue national recognition.