Women Rule the Roost at Dhinga Gavar Festival in Jodhpur

In a country that celebrates multiculturalism its no surprise to hear about unusual festivals. Dhinga Gavar is one of the unique festivals of Rajasthan.Dhinga Gavar is a unique festival that is meant for women in Jodhpur. It is actually the procession of women disguised as various characters that is alluring. Women prepare well before the festival and even book makeup men and their costumes. They sing, dance and enjoy their night out without any restrictions. Dhinga means fun by pretence and Gavar means Gangaur or Gauri (Parvati) Lord Shivas wife. Dhinga Gavar is usually observed after one month of Holi. Women of all age groups participate in this festival.Photo Courtesy: Vipingoyal The highlight of the festival is that of women dressed as male characters. Several mythological and historical characters like Krishna, demons, kings and even the contemporary male roles like policemen costumes are also worn by these women.Photo Courtesy: Vipingoyal Married women and unmarried girls follow the traditional rituals of Dhinga Gavar. The rituals goes on for 16 days and the procession takes place on the last day. Usually, the women of Pushkarn community perform this pooja.Photo Courtesy: Varun Shiv Kapur Dhinga Gavar is actually a folk deity. It is believed that once Lord Shiva came in the disguise of a cobbler to tease Parvati. Later, Parvati also wanted to have fun and dressed herself as Bhil Tribal women.Photo Courtesy: Jean-Pierre Dalbera The idols of Dhinga Gavar along with Isar (Shiva) is kept in 11 places of the Jodhpur city. The women in the costumes of different characters get out after midnight and patrol the whole city reaching each Dhinga Gavar idol. Men do not have any role to play in the festival except see the women patrolling the city like bosses. It is one festival which spreads the idea of equality of women. Ladies who keep the fast are called as Teejania in local language. They not only patrol the streets at night but also keep a stick in their hands. Dhinga Gavar is one of the unique festivals in Rajasthan.Photo Courtesy: Vipingoyal An unmarried man who gets beaten by Teejania is likely to get married within a year after that! So men who tease this rally might get thrashed nicely and ladies happily take full advantage of that. The ritual of Teejania beating the men (playfully) gives the name Baintmar Teej. Baint in Hindi means stick and Mar means beat. One important speciality of Dhinga Gavar is that all women can take part in it. Irrespective of age and marital status they can enjoy the festival. Even widows can be a part of the celebrations.