Gujarat is famous for its vibrant culture, and one of the most cherished traditions is Bhavai, a unique form of folk theater. The name “Bhavai” comes from “bhav,” meaning emotions, and “vahini,” meaning a carrier, together it means carriers of expressing emotions. Alternatively, it can be interpreted as “bhaav,” meaning “to act.” Bhavai is primarily a men’s art form, where male actors also portray female characters. It includes several small skits called vesha. The oldest vesha, written by Asait, is the Ramdev vesha, which tells the story of the earth from its creation to its end. Historically, the Bhavaiyya community, also known as Vyas or Nayak, were the primary performers of Bhavai. Originally performed in open-air settings, it aimed to raise mass awareness and deliver social messages through engaging and emotional narratives.

Story Behind The Origin Of Bhavai

In the 14th century, Asait Thakar, a Brahmin from Unjha, Gujarat, was known for his storytelling, singing, and dancing. When Ganga Hamada Patel, the village headman’s daughter, was kidnapped by a minister of Allahuddin Khilji, her family turned to Asait for help. He agreed to help but he could meet the minister, presenting himself as Ganga’s brother. Asait performed several skits, which led to the creation of Bhavai. Impressed, the minister agreed to free Ganga. To prove their relationship, he dined with her, overcoming caste differences. Ganga was freed, and today, Bhavaiyya, primarily from the Targala caste, consider themselves descendants of Thakar.

Art of Performing Bhavai

Bhavai performances typically consist of multiple veshas, composed in Gujarati, Hindi, and Marwadi languages. These skits are based on local history, religious themes, and social issues, all delivered with humor and satire. A Bhavai troupe usually includes 12 to 15 members, with the Nayak as a sutradhar (narrator). The most popular characters, Rangalo and Rangli, add a lively dynamic, with Rangalo, the male servant, delivering humorous and satirical commentary on social issues, while Rangli, his female counterpart, engages in playful banter and dance.  Performances traditionally take place at night, beginning with a prayer to Lord Ganesh, following Hindu customs. Throughout the evening, multiple veshas are performed, each accompanied by a variety of musical instruments like the dholak, cymbals, harmonium, pavo, and nagar. The dialogues are delivered with precise rhythm, often in a high-pitched tone, structured around six fundamental rhythms that are chosen according to the mood and scene. Dance is also a significant element, with movements influenced by the traditional raas and hints of kathak, enhancing the overall experience.

Vibrant Costumes and Transformative Makeup

Male characters often wear dhotis paired with Kathiawadi jamas, while female characters are adorned in vibrant ghaghra cholis and sarees, accentuated with intricate jewellery and decorative elements in their hair. To enhance their appearance, actors may apply multani mitti to whiten their faces, and soot is used as kohl to define their eyes, creating a dramatic effect. The makeup is deliberately exaggerated to emphasize facial expressions, allowing performers to vividly convey a range of emotions, making the performance more eye-catching and engaging.

Legendary Performance and its Artist

Bhavai have several iconic plays that impact on Gujrati Culture. One such play is Jogidas Khuman, which tells the heroic tale of its titular character, Jogidas Khuman, who bravely fights against injustice. Another notable play is Zanda Zulan, which is based on a historical incident that occurred in Unjha, Gujarat during the Mughal period. The story revolves around Tejan, a married Hindu woman, who has an affair with a Muslim nobleman named Zanda Zulan. Jasma Odan is another significant play that centers on Jasma, an apsara from Swarga Loka, who, due to a sage’s curse, is born on Earth. The play highlights her ultimate sacrifice, making her a symbol of honor and devotion. On a lighter note, Juthan is a comic Bhavai play about a prince named Juthan who refuses to fight in wars and pretends to be insane to escape his duties. His father then sends a beautiful maidservant, Chataki, to lure him back.

Bhavai has produced many renowned artists who have contributed significantly to its legacy. Bapulal Nayak is a prominent figure, known for continuing his family’s tradition of performing Bhavai and later becoming a director and manager of early Gujarati theater. Another legendary artist, Muljibhai Nayak, gained fame for his heroic roles and direction in Bhavai, becoming a celebrated name in Gujarat.  Additionally, Bhavai mandals such as Jashvantlal Thakor’s Bhavai Mandal and Vikram Thakor’s Bhavai Mandal continue to keep the tradition alive, captivating audiences with their performances.

To Conclude,

At present, Cultural organizations and government bodies in Gujarat are actively working to preserve the traditional art form of Bhavai. It is also performed at the Ambaji Temple near Mount Abu during the Navratri festival.  Bhavai’s vibrant and dynamic nature has also caught the attention of companies, who use it in advertising to present everyday products in an engaging and visually striking manner.  It has also been featured in several films. A recent movie “Bhavai” is set against the backdrop of this traditional art form, showcasing its cultural richness and beauty.

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By Shrushti Patel