Shiva’s mask is an integral part of the folk religious rituals in Nabadwip. This mask is crafted during the month of Chaitra (a month in the Bengali calendar), coinciding with the marriage ceremony of Shiva-Parvati. It is deeply intertwined with the traditional Shaivite culture. Although referred to as a mask, it is actually a sculpture made of clay. This multicolored mask stands as a remarkable example of folk art. The artisan Narayan Pal continues to craft such sculptures to this day.[1][2] Among the traditional and endangered clay figures preserved and showcased by the Biswa Bangla stall, the Mask of Shiva from Nabadwip holds a prominent position.[3][4]
| Mask of Shiva | |
|---|---|
 Shiva Mask from Nabadwip | |
| Origin Place | Nabadwip, Nadia, West Bengal |
| Ingredients | Clay |
| Shape | Shiva figurine with a snake hood on the head |
| Height | 1.5 feet |
| Related Festival | Gajan, Shivas Wedding, Chaitra Sankranti, Charak |
| Manufacturer | Narayan Pal |
Structure and description
editThe mask is made by molding raw clay into shape. Once the clay is molded, it is left to dry under the sun. After drying, the sculpture is painted white, and details such as eyes, nose, and ears are drawn onto it. A golden headdress (topor) is then added to the mask. The headdress or crown is decorated with a hooded snake motif atop it, symbolizing Shiva’s connection with serpents.[1]
Rituals and festivals
editThe mask is crafted during the month of Chaitra to celebrate Shiva's marriage. It is arranged ceremonially and taken door-to-door in the community. Donations collected from households are used to fund Shiva’s marriage festivities.[5] Typically, young boys organize these marriage events for Shiva.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Dolls of Bengal বাংলার পুতুল" (PDF). Biswa Bangla. 16 January 2021. p. 26. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 January 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ Santra, Tarapodo (2000). পশ্চিমবঙ্গের লোকশিল্প ও শিল্পী সমাজ [Folk Art and the Artistic Community of West Bengal]. search.iisg.amsterdam (in Bengali). Kolkata: Center for Folk and Tribal Culture, Department of Information and Culture, Government of West Bengal. ISBN 8187360224. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ^ "Dolls' house at state store". The Times of India. 2015-10-26. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 2021-01-16. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ^ MPost (2015-10-29). "Biswa Bangla stalls to showcase forgotten art of dollmaking". www.millenniumpost.in. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ^ আজ শিবের বিয়ে নিয়ে মাতোয়ারা হতে প্রস্তুত নবদ্বীপবাসী [Residents of Nabadwip are all set to revel in the festivities of Shiva's wedding]. Bartamanpatrika. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
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