Gomira Mask Dance In North Bengal, India Editorial Image

Masked dancers of Gomira dance troupe perform at a village near Raiganj. Gomira is a masked dance form. The word 'Gomira' is derived from the colloquial form of the word 'Gram-Chandi' or the female deity who is the protective force of the village. The exact origin of the dance form is not traceable and the knowledge has been lost over time. Gomira dance is a rural dance form mainly practiced in the Dinajpur district of West Bengal. The Gomira dances are organized to appease the deity to usher in the 'good forces' and drive out the 'evil forces'. It is usually organised during mid-February to mid-July.