Bhavai, a folk-drama of
Gujarat, is a continuous performance lasting the whole night. The patrons of this art form are invited to the scene of performance by sounding the 'Bhungal,' a very long wind instrument. The participants perform in the open stage without any stage equipment. The venue is either the temple courtyard or the street facing the temple.
Bhavai is traditionally associated with the festivals of the mother Goddesses Ambaji, an incarnation of Shakti, and Bahucharaji (the patroness of Bhavai). The performance is mostly done during the Navratri festival.
Humor plays a vital part in any Bhavai performance and comes into play even while dealing with mythological personages. The language of Bhavai is a unique blend of Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu and Marwari.
Only men are allowed to take part in this performance and they perform the roles of women as well. The artists make the entire drama fun filled.
