Dr. Mahendra Bhanawat Laid to Rest with Honor

Udaipur bid a heartfelt farewell to Dr. Mahendra Bhanawat, a revered scholar of folk arts and former director of the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal. His final journey saw an overwhelming presence of distinguished personalities, writers, journalists, and well-wishers, reflecting his towering legacy in the realm of folk literature and traditions.

In a poignant moment defying age-old customs, Dr. Bhanawat’s daughters and daughters-in-law, along with his son and grandsons, shouldered his bier, symbolizing his progressive ideals in life and beyond. His funeral procession, which commenced from his New Bhupalpura residence, resonated with the beats of tradition, as city luminaries and admirers paid their respects.

Dr. Bhanawat, aged 87, was often regarded as an encyclopedia of folk literature. Eminent writer Dr. Durgaprasad Agrawal remarked that his contribution to preserving folk arts was unparalleled, while lyricist Ikram Rajasthani described him as a true guardian of Rajasthan’s cultural heritage. Poet Vasant Nirguné from Bhopal declared his demise as the end of an era for Rajasthani folk studies.

Former Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi president Ramesh Borana emphasized that Dr. Bhanawat’s literary works would continue to serve as a gateway to understanding Rajasthan’s fading folk traditions. Senior media educator Prof. Sanjeev Bhanawat lamented the loss, calling it the closure of a golden chapter in Indian folk literature. Writer Syed Habib noted that without Dr. Bhanawat, the stage of folk arts would forever remain incomplete.

His dedication to preserving Rajasthan’s indigenous performance arts, from Gauri to Bhavai, Rammat, Tamasha, and puppetry, has left an indelible mark on cultural scholarship.

A Community’s Tribute

A vast assembly of intellectuals, social leaders, and admirers gathered for the final rites at Ashok Nagar Mokshdham. Among them were Oswal Sabha’s Kuldeep Nahar, Rajasthan Vidyapeeth’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. S.S. Sarangdevot, senior journalists, authors, artists, and community representatives.

Later in the evening, a condolence meeting at Mahapragya Vihar saw city residents and visitors from across the country paying floral tributes. His grandson, Arthank, shared touching memories, while political and social leaders, including former MLA Dharmanarayan Joshi, BJP leader Pramod Samar, and others, expressed their condolences.

Dr. Mahendra Bhanawat’s departure marks the end of an era, but his legacy in folk literature and performing arts will continue to inspire generations.

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