The local artists of Kutch work as daily wagers and whenever Rann Utsav takes place, they transform into musicians, singers and percussionists. This transformation is possible only because Rann Utsav Tent City ensures that they give the local artists a bigger platform to showcase their talents and keep the artist alive inside them. Music instruments like Ravan Hatha, Ghada aur Tagaara, Mor Chhand were quite a revelation as we had never seen such instruments which are no less than a legacy passed across generations.
The Siddi community is an ethnic group who descended from East African region and later settled in Gujarat. To our utter surprise, they also speak Gujarati as good as any other Gujarati! The Siddis were brought as slaves 300 years ago from Portuguese colonial territories for the Nawab of Junagadh. Today, they follow very few of their original customs, with a few exceptions like the traditional Dhamal dance and use of their percussion instrument, Mughar Bund.
The Bhavai performance at Rann Utsav – The Tent City is another major attraction. There are 365 types of Bhavai, a dance form that derives its name from the word ‘Bhaava’, which means expression or emotion. Bhavai has two key characters, the narrators called ‘Rangla’ and ‘Rangli’. Humor is an integral part of any Bhavai performance even in mythological stories, which makes it one of the most popular dance and theatre forms of Gujarat.
The dedicated space called Activity Area at Rann Utsav – The Tent City makes it possible for local artists to perform for an enthralled audience from across the globe. Come and be mesmerized!
