Bhavai: A dance of balancing pictchers on the head

Bhavai is an ancient dance genre which is very popular in the state of Rajasthan. People believe that this dance originated in the state of Gujarat but very soon the Rajasthani people acquired the mastery on this dance form. Latter it became a part of the state’s culture. This folk dance is supported by many communities. They are Jat, Bhil, Raigar, Meena, Kumhar, and Kalbelia. Kalbelia communites are snake charmers and they have extraordinary skill for this dance.

The women take part in this dance. During the performance 8 to 9 pitchers are placed on their heads. They have to balance these pitchers while dancing. They can swing their arms or they can beat the floor with their feet. In addition to that they can also walk on the naked sword or they can walk on the brass plate. The spectators are so amazed by the performance that they start bitting their nails. In this state the women fetch water from long distances. They carry the picters on their heads. Through this constant process they inherit the act of balancing the picthers on their head.

The men are responsible for singing the traditional songs and playing the instruments.The instruments used during the performance are dholak, manjeera, pahkwaja, sarangi and the bhungal.

The dancers dress themselves in colourful Rajasthani dresses, making the dance more attractive.

Only skilled dancer can perform the breath taking and nail bitting stunts because it requires a lot of practice and perfection. These dances are very fast, energetic, imaginative and reflect day to day life.

This dance is performed on festive occasions like wedding.