“BHAV GUNJAN” YOUTH FESTIVAL 2025
Written as part of an academic task prescribed by the Head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. & Dr. Dilip Barad Sir.
Bhav Gunjan 2025: A Memorable Voyage into Youth, Creativity, and Culture
The word “Bhav Gunjan” itself evokes a feeling of artistic resonance - a blend of emotions, imagination, sound, and expression rising like a melody from the hearts of the youth.
The 33rd Inter-College Youth Festival organized by Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University (MKBU) from 8th to 11th October 2025 was not merely a cultural event - it was a grand celebration of intellect, dreams, performing arts, literature, and youthful aspirations.
Over four remarkable days, the campus transformed into a vibrant cultural ground where talent met opportunity, tradition met modernity, and literature blended beautifully with performance and creativity. This festival was not just seen - it was experienced. It was lived, felt, and cherished by every student who was a part of it.
Festival Brochure and Schedule
Before stepping onto the journey, the brochure introduced us to the universe of events awaiting - from classical art forms to contemporary digital expressions, from literary competitions to folk performances. Each page promised inspiration.
8th October 2025 – The Grand Opening: Kala Yatra
The festival began with the majestic “Kala Yatra”, a symbolic march of youth power and cultural pride.
From Shamaldas Arts College to J.K. Sarvaiya College, students carried banners, dressed in vibrant costumes, and enacted social themes through live tableaux.
The street became a moving stage, echoing:
- Awareness about women’s safety and rising crimes
- Concerns over educational challenges and pressure on students
- Social media addiction and its psychological impact
- Pride in Gujarat’s cultural roots and values
Among all, Swami Sahajanand College’s “Operation Sindhoor” stood out like a powerful heartbeat - a performance that was bold, thought-provoking, and emotionally stirring. The procession reminded us that art is not just entertainment - it is also a voice, a revolution, and a way to awaken society.
A photograph here beautifully marks the beginning of this artistic journey.
9th October 2025 – Inauguration & Cultural Harmony
The formal inauguration took place the next day, filled with melodious musical notes, dignified speeches, and heartfelt applause.
University leaders emphasized that festivals like these shape confidence, moral values, and creative excellence in youth.
Our department set the tone with a delightful chorus performance, proudly extending a musical welcome to guests.
Throughout the day, the festival showcased:
SURGUNJAN – where voices floated in soulful harmony
RASAGUNJAN – where rhythm met grace and expression
Adivasi Nritya – tribal dance bringing ancient traditions to life
These performances painted stories through song and movement - celebrating Gujarat’s folklore, mythological narratives, and rich oral traditions. Every step, every note, every costume carried pages of history and literature.
Here, art did not just entertain - it revived cultural memory and literary identity.
10th October 2025 – Theatre, Rhythm & Artistic Excellence
This day felt like an ocean of creativity, with waves of performances from morning till evening.
Single Act Plays (EKANKI)
Students presented powerful mono-acts and plays reflecting:
- psychological depth
- social issues
- ethical dilemmas
- literary characters and theme
Through dramatic performance, literature unfolded on stage - breathing life into pages we often read silently.
Western Instrumental (Solo)
The stage then shifted to the language of music. Elegant violins, emotional guitar notes, piano melodies, and captivating flute performances filled the hall. Music here was pure literature - telling stories without words.
A special moment arrived when Sandip Jethva played Raag Bhupali.
The hall fell silent, breaths paused, and souls listened. His performance reminded us that art is devotion, and competitions are secondary when passion speaks.
Mime Art
Silence became the loudest language as mime performers portrayed:
- human emotions
- social inequalities
- universal themes like hope, grief, and love
Without speech, they narrated what sometimes words fail to express.
Folk Orchestra
Traditional instruments - dhol, shehnai, manjira, flute - took us back to village courtyards, temple festivals, and rustic poetry evenings.
Folk music proved that literature is not only written in books - it lives in rhythm, breath, and memory.
Creative Choreography
The choreography event was a canvas of innovation - where dancers transformed emotions into movement.
Inspired by literature, symbolism, and emotion, performances showcased youth imagination at its peak.
Classical Singing (Solo)
The day ended with soul-touching ragas that elevated emotions and spiritual energy. Classical music served as a reminder of India’s timeless artistic heritage.
11th October 2025 – Celebration, Awards & Farewell
The final day brought together all emotions - joy, pride, accomplishment, gratitude.
Stages glittered with cheers and applause as winners received medals and certificates.
The spirit of unity and learning echoed stronger than any trophy.
My Reflections & Department Pride
The festival became even more meaningful through the achievements of our department.
Proud Performances from Department of English
Radhika Mehta & Shruti Sonani – enchanting voices in Folk Group Singing
Rajdeep Bavaliya, Rutvi Pal, and Sanket Vavadiya – securing Second Prize in Quiz Competition
Watching them shine was a moment of honor for all of us. Their dedication, talent, and confidence reminded us that academic brilliance and cultural excellence go hand in hand.
Faculty members including Prakruti Bhatt Ma’am and Megha Trivedi Ma’am graced the moment, celebrating this achievement with pride.
Later on the Quiz Competition winners were felicitated by the Head of Department Of English, Dr. Dilip Barad sir.
Debate Event
As an audience member, I felt immense admiration watching Shehzad Chokiya and Bhargav Makwana debate with clarity and conviction on topics related to media, politics, and social change.
Skit Highlight – “Gen Z Panchayat”
Among the skits, “Gen Z Panchayat” left a strong impact.
It humorously and intelligently portrayed how new-age youth balance:
- tradition and modernity
- smartphones and sanskaar
- questioning minds and rooted values
It showed that Gen Z does not break tradition; they reshape it with awareness.
Group Photographs & Cherished Moments
We clicked photographs with participants, volunteers, and professors - capturing not just faces, but memories, mentorship, and shared pride.
Creative Showcases & Exhibition Moments
From Rangoli to Clay Modelling, each artwork reflected beauty, patience, imagination, and hard work.
Every corner of the campus felt like a gallery of young minds expressing their souls.
Newspaper clippings, medals, certificates - each one symbolized effort and excellence.
Beginning of a New Chapter
As a first-year student, Bhav Gunjan was more than a festival - it was my welcome into the heart of this university.
It taught me:
- to dream boldly
- to embrace culture with pride
- to value literature beyond textbooks
- to observe society through artistic lenses
More than anything, it made me realize how fortunate we are to learn under visionary teachers who encourage us to explore, perform, question, and grow.
This festival marked the beginning of my academic journey - filled with enthusiasm, belongingness, and inspiration.
With Gratitude — THANK YOU!
To the University, our respected professors, student coordinators, volunteers, and every participant - thank you for making Bhav Gunjan 2025 an unforgettable chapter of my life.