One the last day of the National Forest Week, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal organised ‘Jungle-Mangal’, a daylong workshop for children’s creative development. It commenced with inauguration by students Madhu, Puja, Sakshi and Prof Sarit Kumar Chaudhuri, Director, IGRMS.
To present their sensitivity towards environmental protection and natural surroundings the students of Museum School run by Parvarish for children of slum-areas participated in the workshop and made masks, mask, invitation cards, crowns and painted balloons and showcased the gifts of forests to humans.
Under the 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 on display in the indoor exhibition building – Veethi Sankul. The 'exhibit of the month' has been jointly inaugurated by Director, Vanviharm, Atul Shrivastava, IFS. This 'exhibit of the month' has been compiled by Banita Behera (Museum Assistant).
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. Since 17th century, under the patronage of the poet-king Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja this ancient Tiger mask dance was an invocation rite to appease the Tiger Goddess Byaghrya Devi during annual ritual procession of Devi Maa, called Byaghra Devi Yatra.
Being a part of this animal mask dance the other animals and birds such as lion, Deer, Bull, Horse, Peacock and Swan along with the tiger are represented with grand and dramatized expression to appease and welcome the arrival of the Goddess for attaining blissful and prosperous life of the forest and the local communities. It is a belief of the local people that these animals were the beings who guard and proclaim to promote the prowess of the Goddess Byaghra and forest. Bagha, being a vahana (vehicle) of Goddess Byaghra among the other animal plays a vital role during the dance and procession.