Bohada : the mask dance

The video is a presentation on the mask dance of Bohada of Maharashtra. The film looks at the Bohada dance performed in the districts of Khandesh, Nashik and Thane in Maharashtra. In Thane this dance form is called Natya Bohada or Bahada. The performance takes place during the Bohada mask festival of the tribes of Thane and Nashik. This festival is held for three days and is celebrated every year during the month of May. It may be celebrated any time between Hanuman Jayanti, Gudhi Padva or Nag Panchami. In this festival around 52 masks of various Indian Gods and Goddesses are displayed. The owners of the masks are the performers of the Bohada dance. They wear the masks and give several performances during the festival. The mask owners are responsible for the maintenance of the masks and these are preserved by them for the next year’s festivities.