In India, masks are used in both rituals and in various theaters for their expressive power. They are usual elements in many traditional ceremonies, rituals and festivals. In Indian tribal culture, the mask has an important place. These characters of tribal masks represent either deity, ancestral spirit, totem, mythological character, an event, royal personalities, animals or birds. Masks are made up of clay, paper pulp, metal, wood, bamboo, cow dung, tin and leather.

Tribals believe that masks represent the presence of their God or Goddess with them, who provides moral and spiritual support to them. There is only one tribal town called “Jawhar’’, from Thane district in Maharashtra state, which represents 52 tribal mask characters. Every year these 52 masks are taken in procession, which is celebrated as a mask festival called ‘Bohada’.