The Bhil community of Mewar, Rajasthan, celebrates the Gavri Festival, a 40-day ritual beginning after Raksha Bandhan, honouring Goddess Parvati and their deity Gorkhiya Mata.
In 2025, the festival was showcased through a photo exhibition at India International Centre, highlighting its unique blend of dance-dramas (khels), songs, and spiritual rites.
Beyond devotion, Gavri serves as a symbol of tribal identity, community bonding, and social commentary, where performers challenge caste hierarchies, explore gender roles, and temporarily attain an elevated status in contrast to their usual marginalisation.
