WASHINGTON, D.C.: India’s rich and diverse cultural legacy has once again captured global attention as the Panjurli Muga mask—a revered ritual artefact from Tulu Nadu, coastal Karnataka—has been placed on proud display at the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C. The inclusion marks a significant moment for the preservation and recognition of India’s ancient ritual traditions on an international platform.
A symbol of faith and folklore
The Panjurli Muga mask is deeply rooted in the Bhuta Kola tradition, a ritual performance art practised in the Tulu-speaking regions of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Representing Panjurli Daiva, a divine spirit believed to protect the land and its people, the mask is traditionally worn by performers during annual spirit worship ceremonies held in village shrines and sacred groves.
Each mask is handcrafted by local artisans using wood, metal, or areca spathe, and adorned with intricate carvings that capture the ferocious yet protective nature of the deity. The artistry symbolises the symbiosis between human devotion and natural forces, central to Tulu Nadu’s spiritual identity.
Celebrating India’s intangible heritage abroad
At the National Museum of Asian Art, the Panjurli Muga mask forms part of a curated collection that highlights India’s indigenous and ritual art forms. The display not only introduces global audiences to the visual richness of Tulu culture but also underscores the importance of regional faith practices in shaping India’s cultural mosaic.
Museum curators have described the mask as “a living expression of divine energy,” noting its aesthetic complexity and its role in embodying ecological and community values. The exhibition also features detailed descriptions and multimedia presentations that trace the origins and evolution of Bhuta Kola, providing context for international visitors unfamiliar with the tradition.
From sacred ritual to global showcase
For centuries, Bhuta Kola rituals have been performed as community gatherings that blend music, dance, costume, and trance-like devotion. The Panjurli Daiva, often depicted with tusks resembling a boar’s, symbolises courage, fertility, and the protection of the land.
Cultural historians say that the mask’s presence in Washington represents not only an artistic achievement but also a recognition of the spiritual ecology of South India—where divinity, craftsmanship, and environmental reverence coexist.
“The Panjurli Muga mask is not merely an artefact; it carries the spirit of a living tradition,” said a representative from the Indian Embassy in Washington. “Its presence here invites the world to experience the philosophy of coexistence that underlies India’s local faiths.”
Preservation and cultural diplomacy
India’s Ministry of Culture has lauded the museum’s initiative as an example of cultural diplomacy, strengthening India’s soft power abroad. In recent years, several museums in the United States and Europe have showcased tribal and folk art from India, reflecting a growing appreciation for non-classical forms of Indian heritage.
The government and private institutions in India have also intensified efforts to document and safeguard endangered ritual traditions, many of which face threats from modernisation and migration. Exhibitions like this one help ensure that these traditions remain relevant to future generations, both in India and globally.
The spirit of Tulu Nadu lives on
The people of Tulu Nadu have expressed pride in seeing their sacred symbol honoured internationally. Local artists and scholars view the exhibition as a tribute to the region’s spiritual and artistic ingenuity.
“For us, Panjurli is not just a deity—it’s an emotion, a guardian of the land,” said a folk performer from Udupi. “Seeing our tradition represented abroad fills us with gratitude and hope.”
The Panjurli Muga mask’s presence at the National Museum of Asian Art thus serves as a bridge between ancient devotion and modern appreciation, ensuring that the mystic soul of Tulu Nadu continues to inspire audiences across the world.