Raas Jatra- Extravaganza of traditionally masked faces to be celebrated in Majuli, Assam
Two-day festival celebrated in the world’s largest river island, Majuli, Assam in which people sporting masks made of natural materials practise various theatrical and dance performances will be held with precautionary measures this year. The denizens of the island were apprehensive about the observance of the festival this year due to a pandemic but state govt has allowed the celebration with precautionary measures and directions. that no artists below the age of 10 can participate.
The festival at Majuli is unique because it involves traditional handmade masks and costumes using natural materials like bamboo, soft clay from the river bed of the Brahmaputra, shola or kuhila
It commences with the birth of Krishna and reflects the novelties of his adulthood, tending to the cows at Gokul along with his fellow cowherds, his childhood, and extermination of demon like Bakasur, Putana, Kaliya, and Kamsa. The entire performance happens without a break and is a continuous process involving more than 60 actors playing various roles.
Cover pic by Smithsonian
