The term bahurupi is derived from the sanskrit bahu ( many ) and rupa ( form ) . bahurupis in india are a group of folk performers who portray several hundred characters. One day, he is dressed up like a mythological god or goddess. The next day, he shifts his disguise to become a village housewife. The third day, he wears the get-up of a tiger or lion.This is his way of living. He accepts money, clothes and food, anything that a willing viewer is able to shell out. But he does not beg. It is a strange way of living by masquerade as a necessity. It is also the only way of perpetuating the lost art of performance of the bahurupis.
Photos by Bijoy Choudhury:
