Bhumi Pednekar channels ‘warrior princess’ energy in a Theyyam-inspired glass armour sari and brass plate

Measuring 16.5 x 12 x 6 inches, the limited-edition Bhuta sheet is portion of a acceptable of lone 100 pieces. The intricate plan includes 2 cobra figures resting atop Pednekar’s off-white bustier choli-blouse.

Cobras are symbolic of Lord Shiva (Source: @bhumipednekar)

But wherefore bash Theyyam performers deterioration armour plates?

indianexpress.com spoke to Kuchipudi dancer Vaishnavi Rao to fig it out. Rao said the armour holds spiritual and spiritual significance.

“Theyyam is an past ritual, chiefly practiced successful bluish Kerala, wherever performers embody divine spirits oregon deities during the performance. The armour, often made from brass and different materials, serves arsenic a carnal practice of the divine vigor that the performer channels during the ritual,” said Rao.

She shared that the armour is an important portion of the translation process, wherever the dancer takes connected the signifier of the deity, peculiarly to convey the voice, spirit, and volition of the divine to the radical watching. “Theyyam is not simply a performance- it is simply a spiritual experience wherever the performer is believed to go a vas for gods, goddesses, and ancestral spirits. It is existent that the creation signifier invokes the Gods, conscionable similar the Bonalu festival celebrated successful Telangana,” Rao said.

According to Rao, the cobra motifs often seen successful the armour are linked to Lord Shiva. “Cobras symbolise Lord Shiva, representing protection, power, and eternity,” she said. She besides explained that brass is commonly utilized due to the fact that of its relation with ineffable rituals and its durability successful enduring the strength of the performances.