Thakurani Mask
Thakurani Jatra masks are an integral part of the vibrant cultural tradition of Ganjam, a district in the Indian state of Odisha. The Thakurani Jatra is an annual festival celebrated with great fervor in Ganjam, primarily in the town of Berhampur.

During the Thakurani Jatra festival, devotees honor the local goddess Thakurani (a form of Goddess Durga) through elaborate processions and performances. Central to these festivities are the traditional masks worn by participants depicting various deities, mythological characters, animals, and folk figures. The red colour mask is known as ‘Jwalamukhi’, black colour mask as ‘Kali’ or ‘’Kala mukhi ‘’, the blue colour mask as ‘’Shyamamukhi ‘’, and the yellow colour mask is known as ‘’Durga‘’.

Materials

Crafted from materials like wood, clay, or papier-mâché, these masks are intricately painted and adorned with vibrant colors and intricate designs. Each mask holds symbolic significance, representing different aspects of the local culture, mythology, and religious beliefs.

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Budhi Thakurani jatra is a popular festival of Ganjam district in odisha.  The mythological legend behind this is that the head of the dera weavers community is dashiki behera , who kept the goddess in his own house as his daughter . the goddess was also tarting mr Bidesi behera as her father. In every two years the goddess gods in a big performance to her in low’s place far the house of mr. Bidesi behera . in this processing mask danu is perfomed with qreat pomp and show,accompanied by music,and made danu . on this ocarina, people were masks of different goddess and participate.

Barong and Rangda Mask of Bali

Barong and Rangda masks are iconic symbols of Balinese culture and mythology, representing the eternal battle between good and evil. The Barong, often depicted as a lion-like creature, symbolizes virtue, protection, and prosperity. In contrast, the Rangda is a fearsome, demonic figure representing chaos, destruction, and the darker forces of the universe.

The Barong dance, featuring performers wearing elaborate Barong masks depicts the struggle between the Barong and Rangda, with intricate choreography and dramatic movements reflecting the ongoing conflict between good and evil.

The performers continue to captivate audiences and inspire reverence for Balinese culture and heritage, both within Indonesia and around the world.

Sri Lankan Masks

Mask dance is a traditional form of performing arts in Sri Lanka, known for its vibrant costumes, intricate masks, and dynamic movements. Sri Lankan mask dances encompass a variety of styles and themes, each with its own unique character and significance. One of the most renowned mask dances is the “Ravana Natya,” which depicts scenes from the Ramayana epic, focusing on the character of King Ravana. Other popular mask dances include the “Kolam,” “Sanni,” and “Raksha” dances, each representing different aspects of Sri Lankan folklore, mythology, and rituals.

The masks worn by performers are the focal point of these dances, crafted with intricate designs, vibrant colors, and expressive features. These masks are often made from materials like wood, clay, or papier-mâché and are meticulously hand-painted by skilled artisans.

Mask dances in Sri Lanka are believed to possess healing powers and are often performed to ward off evil spirits, bring blessings, and invoke divine protection.

GHODANACHA (HORSE DANCE)

Ghoda Nacha, also known as Horse Dance, is a traditional folk dance form native to the state of Odisha, India. As its name suggests, Ghoda Nacha is characterized by dancers impersonating horses, often wearing elaborate costumes and accessories resembling horses. The fisher man community observe it as a part of their religious ritual.

Ghoda Nacha performances typically depict scenes from Hindu mythology, folklore, or daily life in rural Odisha. The dancers use their movements to convey stories, emotions, and narratives, engaging the audience and capturing their imagination.

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‘Ghodanacha’ or ‘’chaitighodanacha ‘’is one of the popular folk tribal dance of Odisha.The fisher man community observe it as a part of their religious turds.They prepare horses with bamboo sticks,horse mask ,light wood and clothes of different colour.The artists dance ,entering inside the empty spay of the skeleton of the horseson is and two thru unstrung players make unstinting music the main ringer two persons wear the mask of black horse and white house perspectively and dance to the tut of the music.The music is basically satircl dialogue between the two.  The fisher man of Odisha worship goddess basuki ,in the month of chaitra.As per legends ,when lord Ramachandra was exiled in the forst ,one fisherman helped him in crossing the river clarges aad ferried him in his boat . On retuan form torsts, lord rama gifted   one horse to that fisherman. Sinu that day the fisherman ar worshppirg the horse as the gift of lord rama .

Mayan mask (mexico)

The mayan mask or azteck mask of mexico is an important part of their culture. The aborigius of mexico had close interaction with nature. the hard made, wood carving masks are used during the festive occasions and also during the wars. It is believrd that it onewears the mask, he gets more courage of energy.

Venetian mask (italy)

The venetian masks ar important part of the cultur of venice, italy. the masks ar the symbol of fredom and uniquenes of italy ‘s culter. these masks are used during the festive occasions to give a faunny and mysterors look to the performer. that is why, veniu is known as the lity of the wearer and also thides the social differnus and inequality.

Prahalad natak (ganjam)

Prahalad natak is a traditional form of dance drama of ganjam district. This single repertoire is benig pertormed for last 150 years, based on the theme of ‘Nrusingha’ or ‘narsingh’ incarnation of lord Binshu.

Mr rama krushna chhotaray of jalantara (now in Andhra Pradesh) had theme this play in 19^th century. lord bisnhu took this incavnahir in the shope of lion face and huran body to nescue his devotec prahalad, trom the atroaities of his that king hiranya kashipu, a devotec of lord siva. this drama is peatomed with music in traditional ‘raaj’ along with musical instruments of ‘maardal’ cymphal, harmonium and flute. the most important aspects of this dance drama are the masks. the masks of various characters like the masks of ‘Nrusingha’ Ganesha, crown and dress of king Hiranya kashipu make the play very intresting. The crafts men of Ganjam make thes masks using. Bamboo stick, cloth, pepar mache, jute deads and gum.