Bohurupi – A forgettable rural folk art
Bohurupi literally means to imitate different kind of forms that make a man of special character. It’s a rural art that has been prevalent for almost 200 years. In an era of glamour and grandeur, this oldest form of art is still breathing at the hands of some doyens in this field. Among them, Shri Kalipada Pal, Shri Subal Bairagi, Shri Ananda Chowdhury, Shri Uttam Mondal are worth mentioning. With their meticulous touch of fingers, various entities mostly mythological as well as historical emerged lively in the body of each and every one who at the end of the make-up visit various places including temple area to earn something to support their families.
Once a popular entertainment in the rural areas, now on the brink of elimination mainly due to apathy and disregard of the local administration and continuous oppression of superficial entertainment. But where unpredictability is part and parcel of their ill-fated life, a glimmer of hope of earning some money through the revival of this ancient folk art is still an inspiration to these hapless fellows to ensure their honorable livelihood in the future. Only this hope resonate in their minds again and again that make them grit and confident to subjugate odds in their life.
