“Bhav Gunjan 2025: A Mahotsav of Yuvaani and Imagination”

 “Where Art Breathes and Youth Speaks – Bhav Gunjan 2025”

This reflective blog is written as part of the Youth Festival observation activity assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. It records my experiences and interpretations of various performances and fine arts events during Bhav Gunjan 2025 — the festival of youthfulness.

Below is the official invitation card of Bhav Gunjan 2025, which set the tone for the festival’s theme — “The Resonance of Emotions.” 

                                                                                                                                                                                               

The event commenced as per the schedule mentioned in the official invitation card of Bhav Gunjan 2025,

Themes represented in various tableaux of Kala-yatra.

The Kala-Yatra of Bhav Gunjan 2025 was a vibrant parade of imagination and cultural expression. Each tableau became a moving canvas — alive with colors, rhythm, and emotions. The themes reflected the diversity of youth perspectives and the spirit of social awareness.

1. Operation Sindoor : 

During the Kala-Yatra of Bhav Gunjan 2025, the tableau presented by College Code 12 deeply impressed me for its emotional intensity, creativity, and powerful patriotic message. The team chose to depict Operation Sindoor, a significant humanitarian and evacuation mission carried out by India, symbolizing courage, unity, and national responsibility.

The tableau began with scenes of chaos and crisis, representing Indian citizens trapped in a war-torn zone. The performers effectively used sound effects, symbolic props, and expressive body language to portray the fear and uncertainty faced by civilians during conflict. Gradually, the focus shifted to the heroic efforts of the Indian Armed Forces, showcasing their discipline, compassion, and readiness to protect every Indian life, no matter where they were.

Through rhythmic movement, patriotic songs, and powerful visuals, the performers recreated the essence of the mission — the coordination between the Indian Air Force, Navy, and Ministry of External Affairs. The tableau beautifully highlighted themes such as national unity, bravery, humanity, and the strength of collective effort.

2. swadeshi Bharat :

Among the various tableaux presented during the Bhav Gunjan Yuvak Mahotsav 2025, one that truly caught my attention was based on the theme of “Swadeshi Bharat.” Through vibrant costumes, traditional music, and artistic expressions, this tableau celebrated India’s cultural roots and the enduring message of self-reliance promoted by the Swadeshi movement. It beautifully conveyed how art can serve as a bridge between the past and the present, inspiring a renewed sense of national pride.

Through the Kala Yatra, I learned how art can be a powerful medium to express national values and collective identity. The performances and displays reflecting the theme of Swadeshi Bharat taught me that creativity is not only about aesthetics but also about preserving and promoting our cultural heritage. It deepened my understanding of how tradition and modernity can coexist harmoniously in contemporary India.

Major themes in dramatic events like One Act Play , Skit , Mime  , Mono-acting.

Skit 1. Truth Behind the Curtain: 

One of the most thought-provoking performances I witnessed during the Bhav Gunjan Yuvak Mahotsav 2025 was a skit staged under the Dramatic Events category. This scene reflected deeply on contemporary social and religious issues, highlighting how modern society continues to struggle with questions of faith, identity, and moral responsibility. Through powerful dialogue, expressive gestures, and symbolic staging, the performers successfully portrayed the conflicts between tradition and modern values. Watching this performance made me realize how theatre can serve as a mirror to society—encouraging reflection, dialogue, and awareness about the issues we often overlook in our daily lives.

Skit 2. Sannata :

Another remarkable performance I witnessed was the skit titled “Sannata: Silence Amidst Social Challenges.” The tableau used silence as a striking metaphor to represent the unspoken struggles and suppressed voices within society. Each performer embodied a different facet of social reality — from inequality and discrimination to emotional isolation — portraying how silence can be both a shield and a form of suffering. The minimal dialogue and expressive body language created a powerful impact, reminding the audience that sometimes silence speaks louder than words. Through this performance, I learned that art can question the complacency of society and encourage us to break the silence surrounding injustice.

Play 1  : Love Beyond Barriers  

The play beautifully captured the essence of love and tragic understanding, portraying how deep emotions often collide with harsh realities. In this particular scene, the intensity between the two characters reflected the timeless theme of love struggling against fate. Their expressive dialogue, heartfelt gestures, and traditional attire added depth to the performance, blending cultural authenticity with universal emotion. The scene reminded me that love in art is not merely about romance—it is about sacrifice, misunderstanding, and the silent endurance that defines human relationships. Through this performance, I realized how theatre can translate intimate feelings into a collective experience for the audience.

Play 2 : Nyay Ki Dahad  The Roar of Righteousness

The play “Nyay ki Dahad: The Roar of Righteousness” was one of the most intense and emotionally charged performances of the festival. It depicted the fight against oppression and the quest for truth in a society often silenced by power and fear. Through symbolic staging, expressive choreography, and powerful dialogues, the performers portrayed how justice is not merely a legal concept but a moral force that emerges from courage and unity. The contrast between light and darkness, and the presence of divine imagery, added depth to the narrative — suggesting that even amidst chaos, the human spirit continues to rise for what is right. This performance reminded me that art has the strength to awaken social consciousness and inspire action against injustice.

Reading the Youth Festival Stage through Dramatic and Literary Frameworks

During the Youth Festival, I observed several performances that reflected the application of dramatic theories such as realism, symbolism, and social critique. Each act used theatrical techniques—dialogue, gesture, stage design, and characterization—to communicate deeper meanings beyond entertainment, embodying the essence of dramatic expression in literature.

1. Martin Esslin’s concept of the “Theatre of the Absurd.” 

This performance resonated strongly with Martin Esslin’s idea of the “Theatre of the Absurd.” The large question mark became a visual metaphor for existential uncertainty, while the minimal setting and disconnected staging captured the sense of alienation central to Absurdist thought. Through fragmented dialogue and reflective postures, the play questioned the purpose of human existence in a chaotic world—transforming the stage into a mirror of modern absurdity.

2.  Aristotelian Tragedy in “A Cry for Justice”

The play “Nyay Ki Pukar” visually embodied Aristotle’s idea of tragedy. The intense expressions, divine imagery of Shiva and Kali, and symbolic gestures captured the struggle between morality and corruption. This scene reflected Aristotle’s concept of mimesis, portraying a serious moral action that evoked pity and fear. The performance led the audience through catharsis, offering emotional and moral purification as justice triumphed over injustice. Through its unity of action and moral depth, the play stood as a living example of Aristotelian tragedy on the modern stage.

The Youth Festival performances can be categorized as modern tragicomedies blending social realism, emotion, and theatrical vibrancy.

The one-act play presented at the Youth Festival can be categorized as a modern tragicomedy infused with Bollywoodish theatrical style. The performance blended moments of intense emotional suffering with humor, song, and exaggerated physical expression, reflecting both tragic and comic elements. The actors used vibrant costumes, symbolic backdrops depicting divine figures like Shiva and Kali, and expressive body movements to communicate moral and spiritual conflict, suggesting the struggle between good and evil, oppression and liberation.

The sentimental tone emerged through its portrayal of human pain, faith, and redemption, while the anti-sentimental touch appeared in its exaggerated, sometimes ironic presentation—typical of Bollywood-inspired dramatization. Rather than adhering strictly to classical structure, it emphasized spectacle, emotional engagement, and social message, aligning it with modern tragicomedy that fuses serious themes with accessible, dramatic performance for contemporary audiences.

Thus, this one-act play not only entertained but also evoked reflection on human values, making it a modern hybrid form combining tragic, comic, and popular theatrical elements.

Cartooning, Painting, Collage, Poster making, Clay-modelling :

The Lalitkala Vibhag of the Youth Festival included a diverse range of visual art forms such as cartooning, painting, collage, poster-making, and clay modelling, each reflecting creativity, imagination, and socio-cultural awareness. These art forms provided students with a platform for self-expression beyond words, translating emotions and ideas into visual symbols.

Cartooning captured social and political satire with humor and wit, while painting and collage expressed aesthetic vision and contemporary concerns through color and form. Poster-making emphasized social messages and awareness, often aligning with themes like environment, unity, and peace. Clay-modelling, on the other hand, brought out the three-dimensional creativity of participants, merging craft and concept.

Together, these activities celebrated art as a medium of communication and reflection, echoing the same humanistic and expressive spirit found in theatrical and literary performances at the festival.

I also observed beautiful Rangoli designs that showcased cultural motifs, creativity, and the celebration of traditional Indian artistry.

1.Rangoli : 

The Rangoli event added a vibrant and traditional touch to the Youth Festival. Participants created intricate designs using colored powders, flowers, and natural materials, beautifully blending artistic skill with cultural symbolism. Each pattern reflected themes of harmony, celebration, and devotion, showcasing how visual art can express both creativity and Indian heritage. The vivid colors and meaningful motifs made Rangoli not just a decorative art form but also a symbol of unity and positivity within the festival’s atmosphere.

2. Collage: 

The collage-making event particularly stood out for its imaginative use of cut-outs and visuals to convey strong social messages, while the rangoli designs added a traditional and festive charm, symbolizing India’s rich cultural heritage through color and pattern. Together, these artistic expressions celebrated both individuality and collective creativity.

3. Clay Modelling :

 The Clay Modelling event highlighted the participants’ creativity and craftsmanship through three-dimensional art. Using clay as a medium, students shaped imaginative figures and symbolic forms that reflected both aesthetic sense and conceptual depth. Many models conveyed social messages, cultural motifs, and emotional expressions, turning simple clay into meaningful artistic statements. This event beautifully demonstrated how art, when moulded by hand and heart, can transform raw material into a reflection of thought, culture, and individuality.

4. Instant Painting : 

 

The Instant Painting event showcased the artists’ spontaneity, imagination, and quick decision-making skills. Participants were given limited time to create paintings that captured themes ranging from nature and culture to social awareness. Despite the time constraint, the artworks reflected remarkable creativity, color harmony, and emotional expression. This event demonstrated how artistic intuition and presence of mind can come together to produce visually striking and meaningful pieces in a short span of time.

5. Cartooning: 

The Cartooning event brought a touch of humor, wit, and critical observation to the Youth Festival. Participants used simple yet expressive lines to comment on social, political, and cultural realities with creativity and satire. Through exaggerated expressions and symbolic imagery, the cartoons conveyed powerful messages that made viewers both laugh and reflect. This event highlighted how art can serve as a medium of social commentary, blending entertainment with awareness in a visually engaging form.

• Yuvani ka Mahotsav :-

Although I did not participate in any of the events, being an observer at the Youth Festival—‘Yuvani ka Mahotsav’—was an enriching experience. Watching the enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication of the participants gave me a deeper appreciation for the power of art, culture, and expression. Each performance and exhibit—whether dramatic, musical, or artistic—reflected the vibrant spirit and energy of youth, uniting diverse talents under one celebration. The festival truly lived up to its name, as it was not just a competition but a celebration of youthfulness, imagination, and cultural pride, leaving me inspired and proud to be part of such a creative environment.

Conclusion :

In conclusion, the Bhav Gunjan Yuvak Mahotsav 2025 was not just an event but a celebration of creativity, culture, and youthful energy. From the expressive performances in the dramatic events to the vibrant artworks in the Lalitkala Vibhag, every moment reflected the talent and imagination of young minds. Observing these diverse art forms helped me understand how deeply art connects emotion, thought, and social awareness. The festival truly embodied the spirit of “Yuvani ka Mahotsav”—a festival of youthfulness—where passion met purpose and creativity found its voice. It was an experience that inspired me to value art not only as performance but as a living expression of identity and collective spirit.