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| Image Courtesy : Lopamudra Talikdar, sahapedia.org |
West Bengal, often hailed as the land of culture, boasts one of the richest cultural legacies in the country. The state's splendidly colorful festivals are deeply rooted in communal rituals and practices, celebrated with great zeal at various times throughout the year. In the northern part of the state, various regional festivals are celebrated with traditional dance, music, theater, and chanting, dedicated to Mother Nature and deities from the Puranas. One such fascinating tradition is the Gomira dance, a centuries-old dance form originating from the North Dinajpur district. This traditional dance is performed during the sowing season, typically between mid-April to mid-June, as a part of the region's celebration of various communal rituals and practices. The Gomira dance holds special significance during the worship of local Shakti deities in the villages of the North Dinajpur district. It is a vibrant and captivating cultural expression, characterized by its colorful attire, rhythmic movements, and the use of intricate masks. This traditional dance form is not only a celebration of the sowing season but also an expression of deep devotion to the local Shakti deities. It stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of West Bengal and the profound reverence its people hold for Mother Nature and their deities. The Gomira dance, with its vibrant display and cultural significance, attracts both locals and visitors, offering them a glimpse into the cultural richness of West Bengal and the traditions that have been preserved for centuries.
The Gomira dance, closely associated with Shaktism (the cult of Shakti, the mother goddess), is a traditional dance form whose exact origin is not traceable. However, it is believed that the word ‘Gomira’ derives from ‘Gram-Chandi’, a local Shakti deity. In the North Dinajpur district, Shakti is worshipped in various forms in different villages, with each village having a shrine dedicated to Shakti. The Gomira dance is organized by the locals once a year in each village of the district during the Bengali month of Baisakh-Jyestha-Asarh. The primary purpose of this dance is to ward off evil forces and regain the favor of the gods. While there are no fixed dates, the dance is typically performed during the sowing season, according to the convenience of the villagers. Each village has its own Gomira troupe, and they perform the Gomira dance during this period with great fervor and enthusiasm. The dance, with its rhythmic movements and vibrant display, is not only a cultural tradition but also a deeply spiritual experience for the villagers, symbolizing their devotion to the mother goddess and their efforts to ensure a prosperous harvest.
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| Image Courtesy : Nilanjan Ray, getbengal.com |
Khusmandi village is renowned for being home to skilled craftsmen who have been crafting wooden Gomira masks for generations. These traditional masks, made of gamar wood, depict various characters such as Chamunda, Siknidhal, Masan Kali, Samshan Kali, Dakini Jogini, Bagh, Nara-Rakshas, Buro-Buri, and many others. Before the performance, which usually takes place at the Gomira tola (a central place in the village designated for performances), the masks are brought out to the "thaan," a spot beneath the banyan tree dedicated to the Shakti deity, where a Nishi Puja is conducted. During the performance, which typically takes place without any background song, narration, or chant, only the rhythmic beats of the dhak and kasha are heard. One notable feature of the Gomira dance is its lack of specific bodily movements or gestures. The movements are entirely spontaneous and instinctive, with the dancer, known as the "bhor" in the local language, improvising most of the time. This spontaneous and instinctive style of movement adds to the uniqueness and charm of the Gomira dance, making each performance a captivating and unforgettable experience. The dance is not just a form of entertainment but a deeply spiritual and cultural expression, reflecting the devotion and traditions of the people of North Dinajpur district in West Bengal.
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| Image Courtesy : Nilanjan Ray, getbengal.com |
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| Image Courtesy : Nilanjan Ray, getbengal.com |
In recent times, various NGOs and societies have come forward to support craftsmen, helping them develop sustainably by promoting their artworks. One such traditional craft that has gained attention is the making of wooden Gomira masks in Khusmandi village. These masks, once crafted solely for the traditional Gomira dance, are now being showcased in different fairs throughout the state. Exhibiting these traditional wooden masks in various fairs provides craftsmen with an opportunity to sell their artworks, thus motivating them to continue their craft.
In 2013, after a joint initiative by the West Bengal government and UNESCO to promote culture-based livelihoods, the mask-makers started receiving recognition. They are now invited to different events and festivals organized by the government to promote, perform, and sell their artworks. This initiative not only helps in preserving the traditional art form but also ensures a sustainable livelihood for the craftsmen and their families, thus safeguarding this rich cultural heritage for future generations.
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