Bhavai, known as Vesha or Swang, is a popular folk theatre form of western India, especially in Gujarat.
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Bhavai is known as Vesha or Swang, which literally means 'get-up'.
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Bhavai is believed to have originated in the 14th century.
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Bhavai dined with her to save her but upon return, he was outcaste by Brahmins.
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Bhavai started performing plays to earn his living which developed into specific dramatic form.
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Bhavai performance appear clearly to have evolved from earlier forms of folk entertainment.
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Bhavai is partly entertainment and partly a ritual offering made to Goddess Amba.
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Some of the Bhavai plays present a scathing review of the caste-ridden social structure.
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Bhavai first marks the performing arena, then offers kumkum to the oil-torch or earthen lamp which is a symbol of goddess Amba and sings prayer songs in her praise.
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