### Vibrant Gavri Dance Enthralls Audience at Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal

*Udaipur, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal, Udaipur*: Since its inception, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal has been committed to promoting and preserving traditional folk arts, aiming to bring them closer to the common people. In line with this objective, a vibrant Gavri dance performance from the Mewar region was organized under the joint collaboration of the Tribal Research and Training Institute, Udaipur. On 11th September, the Gavri dance troupe from Karnali village captivated the local audience and tourists alike with their mesmerizing performances.

Dr. Laeek Hussain, Director of Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal, and O.P. Jain, Director of the Tribal Research and Training Institute, emphasized that Gavri is a traditional dance-drama performed by the Bhil tribal community of Mewar. It is dedicated to the worship of Mother Gauri and is performed for about 40 days starting from the second day of Raksha Bandhan. During this period, the performers take a vow to abstain from meat, alcohol, and green vegetables as they pray for the prosperity, peace, and well-being of their sisters, daughters, families, and livestock. Key characters portrayed in the drama include Gajanand Ji, Bhamariya, Kalu Keer, Bhomla, Bhiyawad, the royal procession of Badshah, the Rebari game, the Baldiya game, and Banjaras.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by distinguished guests such as Pragya Keval Ramani, Divisional Commissioner and Commissioner of the Tribal Area Development Department, Udaipur; Chhoga Ram Deewasi, Additional Divisional Commissioner; Pragya Saxena, In-charge Officer of the Art and Culture Department, TRI; Dr. Laeek Hussain, and O.P. Jain. The ceremony began with a traditional worship ritual and garlanding of the main performers. Bhagwan Kachchawa, who conducted the event, provided insightful commentary on the various characters of Gavri.

Dr. Hussain further announced that the two-day Gavri festival will continue with the Gavri performance from Sonariya village on 12th September 2024. Additionally, upcoming performances will be held at Saheliyon Ki Bari on 19th and 20th September, and at Fateh Sagar's promenade on 23rd and 24th September 2024, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Entry for all performances will be free of charge.