Gujarat, the land of vibrant traditions and deep-rooted heritage, is witnessing the slow disappearance of several cultural practices. As modernization and urbanization take center stage, many age-old customs, once integral to the state’s identity, now face the threat of extinction. Below are the top 5 Gujarat cultural practices that are about to extinct, highlighting not just the rituals but also the communities and reasons behind their decline.
1. Bhavai Folk Theatre: Gujarat’s Dying Traditional Satire Art Form
Bhavai, once the crown jewel of Gujarati folk theatre, is fading into obscurity. Originating in the 14th century, Bhavai was a satirical and often political performance art performed in village squares. The performances, involving dance, music, and dialogue, were carried out by male artists—often from the Taragalas community—who portrayed both male and female roles.
Despite its UNESCO recognition as an intangible cultural heritage, Bhavai now survives only in isolated pockets of rural Gujarat and occasional cultural festivals.
2. Sanjhi Folk Painting of North Gujarat: Ritualistic Wall Art Losing Relevance
Sanjhi painting, a ritualistic art practiced by women in parts of North Gujarat, especially Mehsana and Patan, involved creating ephemeral wall art using cow dung, natural colors, and rice paste. These artworks were traditionally drawn during the Navratri festival and associated with the worship of Goddess Durga.
Once a symbol of devotional creativity, Sanjhi art is now an undocumented and fading memory among elderly women in rural households.
3. Nagphani Veni Hairstyling Tradition: The Lost Craft of Kutchi Women
The Nagphani Veni (cobra-hood braid) was a distinct and elaborate hairstyle worn by Kutchi women, especially from Rabari and Ahir communities. It involved braiding the hair in a unique pattern with silver jewelry, often denoting marital status, social rank, and clan identity.
Photographs from the early 20th century show how iconic this style was in Kutchi culture. Today, it’s mostly seen in museum exhibits and vintage archives.
4. Tanchoi Silk Weaving in Surat: Vanishing Heritage of Parsi and Chinese Influence
Tanchoi weaving, an exquisite brocade weaving style, originally came to Gujarat through Parsi traders who learned it from Chinese weavers in the 19th century. The art flourished in Surat and was once a staple for bridal sarees. Tanchoi silk is known for its dense patterns, absence of floats on the back, and luxurious texture.
Only a handful of weavers continue this labor-intensive craft, and most people today are unaware that this once-global silk tradition was rooted in Gujarat.
5. Pithora Ritual Painting by Rathwa Tribe: Sacred Storytelling on the Verge of Obsolescence
The Pithora painting, more than an art form, is a spiritual ritual among the Rathwa and Bhilala tribes of Chhota Udepur and Panchmahal districts. These paintings, made on walls of homes, are commissioned after the fulfillment of a vow to the deity Pithora Dev. Using natural dyes and cow dung-based base coats, the murals depict tribal cosmology and mythology.
While NGOs and art collectives are trying to revive it through exhibitions, the spiritual essence and authenticity of Pithora are rapidly eroding.
These Gujarat cultural practices that are about to extinct aren’t just artistic expressions—they are repositories of history, spirituality, and identity. With conscious revival efforts, government policies, and community involvement, there’s still hope to preserve them. Documentation, education, and digital archiving can play vital roles in ensuring these traditions are not lost forever.