11 Facts About Bhavai

1.

Bhavai, known as Vesha or Swang, is a popular folk theatre form of western India, especially in Gujarat.

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2.

Bhavai is known as Vesha or Swang, which literally means 'get-up'.

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3.

Bhavai is believed to have originated in the 14th century.

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4.

Bhavai dined with her to save her but upon return, he was outcaste by Brahmins.

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5.

Bhavai started performing plays to earn his living which developed into specific dramatic form.

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6.

Bhavai performance appear clearly to have evolved from earlier forms of folk entertainment.

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7.

Bhavai is partly entertainment and partly a ritual offering made to Goddess Amba.

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8.

Some of the Bhavai plays present a scathing review of the caste-ridden social structure.

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9.

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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10.

Language of Bhavai is a blend of Hindi, Urdu, and Marwari.

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11.

Bhavai is prevalent in Rajasthan as a folk dance called Bhavai dance.

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