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Source: Udaipur Blog

Context

Every year, the Bhil community of Mewar performs a 40-day ceremony known as Gavri.

About the Gavri Festival

• The event is traditionally held during the Hindu months of Shravana and Bhadrapad (July and September), corresponding with the monsoon and harvest season.
• The ceremony is mostly done by male Bhil tribe members, who play gods, goddesses, demons, and other mythological characters.
• The performance depicts ancient tales about the goddess Gauri and struggles between good and evil. 

Cultural Significance of Gavri

• An expression of Bhil survival, cultural memory, and resistance in live form.
• Indian mainstream discourse includes claims to tribal land.
• Offers an alternative narrative to the dominant religious, economic, and social systems.
• Maintains environmental values and a welcoming performing culture.
• It lasts for 40 days in the month of Bhadrapada.
• Includes fasting, walking, no alcohol, and no vegetables.
• It begins with a rite that links Goddess Parvati with Bhils as a sister.
• The ritual involves performers going into trance-like states (Avsar Aana).

About the Bhil Community

• The Bhils are one of India's largest tribal (Adivasi) communities, principally found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• They have a distinct cultural identity that includes unique customs, a language (Bhili), and traditional activities that are closely related to nature and incorporate animist beliefs into Hinduism.
• The Bhils consider themselves to be descendants of Lord Shiva and his bride Parvati (Gauri).

Source:  Indian Express