Besides, the Mukha Bhaona, masks of Jatayu, Narasimha, Varaha and Ravana will be on displayed on the tableau.

A Mukha Bhaona has a theme, derived either from the epics or the writings of Sankardev. Masks, however, are not used by all the characters of the show. While the gayon sings, the bayon plays the khul, the sutradhar explains the meaning of the bhaona to the audience. Only the bhaorias adorn the masks.

“A traditional Mukha Bhaona could have as many as 30 characters performing diverse roles. It could take about seven hours for the show to be complete,” Rebakanta Mahanta, who is leading the team at the celebrations, said.

Mahanta, an accomplished mask-maker, said the task was strenuous and required great skills. Masks, for instance, are not replicas of prescribed models. The artiste works according to his own ideas on the characters in the epics or Sankardev’s works. The coloured mask, made of bamboo, cloth and a paste, may be used many times over with necessary repairs.

The artistes, however, rue the public’s dwindling interest in the art form. The government’s response, too, is lukewarm. “It is mainly due to the invasion by satellite television and other forms of entertainment,” Mahanta said.

Mukha Bhaona is performed on a regular basis only at two places in Assam — Hsatpar Satra in Sivasagar and Samuguri Satra in Majuli.