Under the popular museum series ‘Exhibit of the Month’ of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, a traditional object is displayed in the appearance for a whole month. The exhibit for the month of July - “Baagh” is being liked by visitors and art enthusiasts of all age group. This exhibition provides an insight into the importance of Tiger in Indian culture.
Bagha, the life size Tiger mask of Bhanjanagar village is an expressive of the religious ethos deeply associated with the worship of Goddess Byaghra Devi (Van Durga) of Ganjam district, Odisha.
The animal Mask Dance locally known as Pasu Mukha Nrutya is one of the ancient dance forms prevailing in the district of Ganjam, Odisha, especially in Bhanjanagar sub-division.
The body of the mask designed in such a way that the two dancers conceal themselves only with their leg visible to provide impression on the spectator of a quadruped animal.
The front part dancer by holding the head of the mask with the help of a stick hoist when it is necessary and can see through the mouth of the head. The backside artist only follows the instruction of the front artist inside the frame as well the Master’s regular thud.
Making of these masks is a primary work of the Chitrakar communities whom the king of Bhanja dynasty brought to Ganjam from Puri district principally to make such mask for their family deity Byaghra Devi. Cane and rope are used as essential raw to make the frame in a spring structure where as the velvet cloth is used as its cover which gives a tiger skin look.
The dance of Human tigers along with this animal masks add extra glitz to the carnival spirit during Byaghra Devi , Thakurani Jatra and other festive occasions of Ganjam. The human tiger dance of Ganjam especially from Berhampur is said to have emerged from a tribal dance form. This form remember us the glorious memory of Hindi film Bagh Bahadur was choreographed by late Bighneswar Sahu, Berhampur.
This significant increase in rainfall percentage was due to depression over the region. This weather system has given extremely heavy rainfall over most parts of the state.
Now the depression has diffused into a cyclonic circulation over West-central parts over Madhya Pradesh. Yet, it is expected to give heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at a few places over West-central & Southwest parts of Madhya Pradesh for next 48 hours.
Thereafter rain intensity will decrease but moderate rainfall with isolated heavy spell at one or two places will continue over North Madhya Pradesh for at least another 24 hours. Places like Shivpuri, Sheopur and Gwalior and Tikamgarh will receive heavy rainfall.
Many cities in the state are already facing flood like situation. We expect that some more areas like Khandwa, Indore, Dewas, Ujjain, Ratlam and Jhabua will receive very heavy rainfall and water logging situation cannot be ruled out.