All about Dhinga Gavar festival of Jodhpur, and its significance

Festivals of India are of many types, and one should really do a festival tour of the country to understand the various cultures. Dhinga Gavar festival of Jodhpur is one such festival that would really give you an insight into the culture of Rajasthan. Moreover, the Dhinga Gavar festival is really not an ordinary festival, as it is also referred to as the festival of deception. Find out all about this incredible festival of Rajasthan.

What is it about?
The Dhinga Gavar festival is a festival for women that celebrates womanhood. In the festival, women disguise themselves as various alluring characters in order to deceive men. An elaborate procession is out all night consisting of these women dressed as various characters, mostly gods and goddesses. They patrol the streets of Jodhpur all night and protect the statue of Dhinga Gavar.
The actual ritual lasts for 16 days, and the much awaited procession come out on the last day of the festival.

Story behind the festival

Legend has it that Lord Shiva had once disguised as a cobbler to tease Goddess Parvati, and in return the Goddess dressed as a Bhil tribal woman to tease him.
The Dhinga Gavar festival is also known as Baintmaar Teej, as women usually carry sticks to beat up the men folk. At the very start of the festival, the Dhinga Gavar deity structures are placed in 11 different locations in Old Jodhpur town after sunset. The statues are laden with gold jewellery and are offered a mixture of dry fruits and cannabis that is locally known as moi.

Interestingly, it is believed that unmarried men who get beaten up during the festival will likely get married within a year.