Vadodara: In a moment of pride for the tribal community, the story of Kansari, the revered deity of food grains worshipped across the western tribal belt, will be showcased at the

National School of Drama

's

Bharat Rang Mahotsav

- International Theatre Festival of India, in New Delhi on Thursday.
Kansari - Dang's Oral Folklore brings to life a narrative that was sung in tribal villages for generations after the harvest season. The performance also features vibrant

tribal dance forms

like the Dang's Mandaliya and Bhavada.
The play, penned by Dahyabhai Vadhu, a scholar of the Kunkana tribal community's culture, is directed by theatre educator PS Chari and performed by Triveni, a Vadodara-based theatre group. First staged in 2022, the play was performed in several cities, gaining recognition for its authenticity and cultural richness.
The story reflects a traditional tribal ritual that follows the harvesting season. Once the crops are brought home, villagers invite a Bhagat (priest) to perform rituals using the traditional Ghanghli instrument while narrating Kansari's tale. The storytelling, often accompanied by music, can last several hours or even the entire night. "Every year, 20 percent of the families in a village host the ritual, ensuring every household gets its turn every five years," shares Vadhu.

The tale revolves around Kansari, a deity-like woman who possesses the mystical power to transform soil into flour and stones into rice. Kansari marries a shepherd, defying the will of the gods—or, metaphorically, society's powerful elite. Enraged by her defiance, the gods kill her husband. In retaliation, Kansari unleashes a devastating drought with nature's help. The gods are blamed for this catastrophe and shunned by the people until they apologise to Kansari, prompting her to restore food and water.
"What fascinates me about this story is its universal truth—life exists as long as there's food. On stage, we present this tale alongside traditional Dangi performances, Mandaliya beats, and Bhavada dances," explained Chari. Bhavada, traditionally performed in village streets, features performers wearing oversized masks, while Mandaliya involves rhythmic acts performed to the beats of giant drums.
According to Vadhu, Kansari is a recurring figure in global mythology, with parallels found in ancient Greek and Roman stories. "There are about 12 variations of Kansari's tale, but this one is the most popular. It underscores the significance of food and nature," he adds.
Chari highlights that the story of Kansari remained largely unknown beyond tribal communities. "I felt it deserved a broader audience, which is why I directed this play. It was already performed at several prestigious festivals, and now it will be staged at the NSD as part of Bharat Rang Mahotsav," a beaming Chari said.