Under the latest and popular online series of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya entitled ‘Exhibit of the Week’, the Khekhda, a wooden mask of Baiga Tribe/ Community from Mandla, Madhya Pradesh,
India displayed in the audience as the last Exhibit of the month of August, 2020 through official website, Facebook, Instagram and twitter page of the IGRMS.
In this regard Praveen Kumar Mishra, Director, IGRMS said that, A wide range of masks are used by different tribal groups throughout the world and are very popular for its expression and unique form.
Among the tribes of Madhya Pradesh there has been a tradition of wearing mask during dance, theatrical performance and festivals. Khekhda is one such mask belonging to Baiga tribe of Madhya Pradesh and is worn during the celebration of Chherta and Holi festival. Chherta is celebrated on the day of Paus Purnima post harvesting. During the celebration young Baiga male wear the mask representing the character of Ravan and Hiranyakashyap and perform Chherta dance to entertain the audience with their hilarious moves and gestures.
On Holi festival the Baiga male put on the mask and perform phag dance with Baiga female wearing Gijji. Gijji is made up of quills of Porcupine fashioned into a face cover. Nowadays Porcupine quills are replaced by bamboo splits. Khekhda represents Hiranyakashyap and Gijji represents Holika.