ANIMAL   MASK   DANCE

Animal Mask dances are prevalent in the villages of Ganjam district. Particularly, during Thakurani Yatra, when the idols are taken out on the streets, the animal mask dancers go on dancing before the procession. During the marriage ceremonies also they lead the bridegroom's procession to the bride's house. The three animal mask dances typical of the area are the the tiger, bull and horse. Two persons get in to cane frame and conceal themselves within it. Their legs become the legs of animals. Ganjam is said to be the originator of this art - form