Siva appears in his popular manifestation, bare-bodied with matted hair and tiger skin around his waist, to listen to complaints. Siva is frequently presented through a series of satiric skits illustrating situations of denial and deprivation, and accusing the authorities, both local and national as well. Siva was a sympathetic listener, sometimes visits the authorities to plead the villagers' cases, albeit with little effect. The performers represent several vocations, classes, and castes, projecting what a British administrator-surveyor described officially in 1918 as an 'annual review of the acts of the year and penance for misdeeds'. Siva remains essentially a friend of the common people and a wise guardian, addressed familiarly as nana or grandfather. Several Gambhira troupes operate during the season, and even beyond at folk festivals sponsored by the state government or other organizations, the strong topicality of their themes and the subjects of their songs helping them to retain their popularity. This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com |