Faces of BohadaBanglanatak
The World of Bohada
Bohada is a vibrant tradition of masked ritual theatre from the indigenous heartland of Maharashtra in western India, where handcrafted masks transform performers into gods, demons, animals, sages, and mythical beings.
The Tiger MaskBanglanatak
The Tradition Bearers
Practised by the indigenous communities including the Mahadev Koli, Bhil, Warli, Kokna, and Kunbi, Bohada performances are sacred offerings dedicated to the village goddess, Ma Jagdamba.
A Festival of Gods, Spirits, and Animals
Each year, between March and May, villages across Palghar and Nashik celebrate the three-day Bohada festival. Through this masked ritual theatre, communities pray for collective wellbeing, good health, bountiful harvests, and harmony.
Worshipping the Sacred Masks (2026)Banglanatak
The festival begins with masks of gods leading the sacred procession, followed by a vibrant array of demons, animals, and other mythical beings.
Ma Jagdamba temple - a sacred shrine (2026)Banglanatak
On the final day, the community gathers to worship the village goddess, Ma Jagdamba, before concluding the celebrations with a shared village feast that reaffirms collective bonds.
Bohada
Enjoy a short video on the Bohada masked ritual theatre showcasing performers and the celebration.
Many Faces, One Spectacle
The Bohada tradition features a rich pantheon of masks.
The Brahmadev MaskBanglanatak
The Divine Faces of Bohada
This is the Brahmadev mask depicting the Hindu god regarded as the creator of the universe.
The Ganesha MaskBanglanatak
The Ganesha (Elephant God) mask, with its distinctive elephant head, symbolises wisdom, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles.
Agni Dev Performance at Bohada Festival (2026)Banglanatak
Masks are also dedicated to the elemental forces that sustain life. The Agnidev (Fire God) mask symbolises the elemental force of fire, revered for its transformative and life-sustaining power.
The Chandrasur Mask in Bohada FestivalBanglanatak
Masks of Demons
Masks of legendary demons from local folklore and mythology are also integral to the Bohada repertoire. The grand Chandrasur mask depicts a formidable demon king, distinguished by its imposing form and dramatic features.
Tathi: A Composite Ritual Mask Panel (2025)Banglanatak
The Ravana mask, crowned with ten heads, evokes the powerful ruler of Lanka and principal antagonist of the Ramayana, one of India’s great ancient epics.
The Tiger MaskBanglanatak
Animal Spirits of Bohada
Bohada masks also celebrate the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats through vivid representations of animals. Masks of tigers, monkeys, deer, buffaloes, and other creatures feature prominently in the ritual theatre tradition.
A Collection of Different Bohada MasksBanglanatak
Masks of Heroes and Sages
Local legendary figures feature frequently in the Bohada repertoire. Pundalik, remembered for his devotion to his parents, is believed to have earned the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
The Mask Maker's Legacy (2025)Banglanatak
Master artist Shivaram Ganga Chaudhari from Pimpalsond village in Nashik sits with a vibrant Narad Muni mask, portraying the celestial sage and divine messenger who traverses the realms of gods and mortals, carrying stories, news and messages between the two worlds.
Tathi in the Bohada Procession (2026)Banglanatak
Multi-faced Mask
Tatis (or Tathis) are ritual composite panels in the Bohada tradition that bring together multiple masks and figures in a single dramatic display, creating an expansive visual spectacle.
Crafting the Sacred Masks
The Bohada mask makers exemplify extraordinary artistry, effectively bridging their tangible heritage with spiritual significance.
A Bohada Mask-Maker in ActionBanglanatak
Materials of Bohada Masks
Bohada masks are crafted using diverse materials like wood, paper mâché, combined with clay, mud, natural adhesives, and other materials gathered from the surrounding landscape.
Bohada-Inspired Souvenirs (2026)Banglanatak
Creativity Reimagined through New Formats
Efforts to safeguard Bohada mask-making have led to a new range of souvenirs that reimagine the tradition through innovation while remaining rooted in community creativity and cultural knowledge.
Learning The Art of Bohada (2025)Banglanatak
Village as the Living School
In Pimpalsond, the art of Bohada mask making is passed on informally across generations. Experienced mask-makers mentor younger generations, teaching them the intricate skills of shaping, painting, and finishing the sacred masks.
Young Villagers Carrying the Legacy of Bohada (2025)Banglanatak
Pimpalsond: A Cultural Haven of Bohada
Pimpalsond, in Nashik’s Surgana region, is home to Bohada mask-makers. Recognising this living heritage, the state tourism development corporation is working with the community to develop Pimpalsond as a cultural tourism destination.
The Glorious Demons of BohadaBanglanatak
Step into the World of Bohada
The wold of Bohada awaits you. Visit its living cultural hubs like Pimpalsond, Barhe, Mokhada in Nashik and Jawhar in Palghar, meet the mask makers and performers who keep this remarkable tradition alive, and discover a world of sacred masks, folklore, and ritual theatre.
This story is part of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC)’s initiative to develop Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)-based experiential tourism in the Palghar and Nashik districts of Maharashtra, connecting visitors with the region’s rich living traditions, communities, cultural practices, and heritage.
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