Special exhibition of folk theatre and tribal masks organised under Bharat Parv

Under Bharat Parv in Narmada, an extraordinary exhibition of folk theatre and tribal culture masks has been organised by Atulya Bharat. Held under the title 'Masks of India', the exhibition displays various shaped masks in red, green, golden, and black colours, showcasing the folk arts of different states of India.

According to a report by Sandesh, these masks have been carved from wood, clay, metal, and paper mache. These artifacts are presented as evidence of Indian folk culture and handicrafts that have continued for centuries.

As stated in the exhibition, the tradition of masks in India is as ancient as prehistoric times. In the rock paintings of the Bhimbetka caves in Madhya Pradesh, figures of humans wearing masks during hunting and collective dancing can be seen. Additionally, small clay (terracotta) masks were also found during the excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization.

In primitive times, humans used masks in religious rituals to appease the fierce forms of nature, for agricultural prosperity, and to protect against evil elements. Over time, under the influence of Bharata Muni's Natyashastra and epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, this tradition took the form of rich folk theatre.