Naikpod tribals believe in a mythology that, during the exile episode of the epic Mahabharata Pandava brothers visited the hilly forested tracts along the river banks of Godavari and taught the tribals how to cultivate the crops. Thereby, they became revered gods to the Naikpods. Further, Bheema, the second of the five brothers, loved and married to their daughter Hidimbi. Since the pair got a child Ghatotgaja, Naikpods worship Lord Bheema as their relative god. The heads of the Pandavas are made in light wood, decorated with colourful designs and placed in their temples called illari or naguru. The masks are worn to the faces of those sacred people, who are possessed by god and those Ganabalas will dance to the tunes of musical instruments during the fairs held to celebrate the marriage of the goddess Laxmidevara for boons like rains and children.

About Face masks:
Nayakpodu masks are traditional masks used in the folk theater of Telangana, India. In the rural areas of Telangana, Nayakpodu masks are an integral part of the folk theater, particularly in the “Nayakpodu” dance-drama. These colorful masks represent various characters, such as kings, queens, demons, and animals. The story revolves around the victory of good over evil, with the masks playing a crucial role in conveying emotions and telling the story. The dancers wear these masks to bring the characters to life, performing
intricate dance movements and enacting battles between good and evil. Nayakpodu masks are not only a part of Telangana’s rich cultural heritage but also a testament to the region’s skilled artisans and their craftsmanship.

Material used:
Nayakpodu Masks, used in the traditional folk dance of Telangana and primarily crafted from lightweight wood such as:

Poniki: Wood is available in the Bhadradri Kothagudem District.

Teak: Known for its durability and workability.