Artistes perform at Rakhaldebi, on the outskirts of Jalpaiguri. Picture by Biplab Basak

Jalpaiguri, Aug. 29: An almost forgotten form of folk art is fast regaining popularity in the rural belts of Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Cooch behar districts.

The Manasar Pala or theatre based on the mythology of Manasa — the Hindu snake goddess — is gathering avid followers in these areas.

With the Manasa Puja starting today, rural theatre groups with bases in Cooch behar and Jalpaiguri are busy performing at shows. Gadadhar Burman, who is in charge of a theatre group that presents Ma Manasar Pala on stage said: “We have been carrying on with this form of folk art over the years. It carries a message in addition to being mythological. The younger generation, however, is not interested in continuing with this form of art. We don’t know how long we can continue.”

The theatre groups are busy performing their plays.

“This year we have called three groups to perform. Every year when we hold Manasa puja here, we invite such groups. A fair is also held on this occasion,” said Rajen Roy one of the puja organisers. The Puja has remained popular among the Rajbanshis over the years. The theatre presentations, however, are comparatively new with some groups doing it for extra income. Most of the theatre performers are agriculturists by profession.

“After the harvesting of jute, this is a good season to come out with some theatre. This provides us extra money and gives us the chance to save and nurture this folk art,” said Haren Roy, a troupe member.

“We have bookings on a regular basis. From every show, we earn Rs 2000 and above. The season continues up to September,” Burman said.

The artistes however, are worried as to how long they can continue with their own resources.

“The government should pay attention to this art to prevent it from fading into oblivion,” Burman said.

The all-male groups play both male and female parts in the plays. The star attractions, however, are live snakes that play their part in the drama. “In mythology, the snakes are given importance. Thus, we also carry them with us. They generate enthusiasm in the audience, who come to see “real snakes” on display,” Roy said.

As the Manasa Puja celebration starts now, this is a “good season” for the artists.

Unlike other forms of folk art, whose artistes receive remuneration and aid from the government, we do not receive anything.