NDLI: Kushan Yatra Mask

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Kushan Yatra Mask

Content Provider	IGNCA - Man and Mask
Description	Dramatized versions of stories from the Ramayana are popular among the Rajbanshis of the Jalpaiguri and Coochbihar districts of northern West Bengal. Mahiraban Badh is one of the popular masked dramas performed throughout northern Bengal among the Rajbanshis. The story is narrated in part through songs which precede dramatic enactment. The opening song greets the audience and gives the gist of the story and sets the tone of the performance which follows. The masked characters appear in between songs to deliver their dialogues with the help of their prompters, their voices not always clear or audible. The musicians position themselves in the centre of the performing area and play on flute, dotara, khol and mandira. The lead singer plays on the Bena and narrates the story, sometimes dramatically with the help of his support singer. Among the nine characters who participate in Mahiraban Badh, Raban, Mahiraban, Khetua, Nikasa, Hanuman, Jambuban and Kali have masks. Rama and Lakshman do not wear masks. The principal characters wear wooden masks, but gourd shell masks are used for minor roles. Because of increasing costs, the wooden masks have been reduced in size. The performances are organized by subscription from villagers and masks are kept with the organizer of the troupe.
Access Restriction	Open
Subject Keyword	Ancient Human Practice Anthropology Anthropomorphic Art Work Art History Ceremonies and Practices Coochbihar Decorative Mask Disguise Drama Theraphy Jalpaiguri District Jambuban Kali Khetua Lakshman Mahiraban Badh Museum Object Nikasa Ornamentation Performance Performing Art Raban Rama Ritual Mask Sculpture West Bengal
Content Type	Image Text
Resource Type	Visual Artwork

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