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Animal Mask Dances are prevalent in village
of south Orissa especially in the
district of Ganjam. Particularly during "Thankurani Yatra", when
the idols are taken out on the streets, the animal mask dancers go on
dancing before the procession. During the marriage ceremonies also they
lead the bridegroom's procession all the way to the bride's house.
The three animal mask dances typical of the area are the tiger, bull and
horse dances. Two persons get into cane frame and conceal themselves
within it. Their legs become the legs of the animals they are
representing.