🎭 *Aakanksha: Naikpod Masks – Faces of Faith and Folklore from Telangana!* Under the *Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme* , *NITI Aayog* continues to spotlight India’s intangible cultural heritage through its *Vocal for Local* initiative—celebrating stories, symbols and skills that empower communities and preserve tradition. From the sacred heartlands of *Telangana,* steeped in dance, devotion and drama, comes a vibrant expression of storytelling from *Bhadradri Kothagudem district —Nayakpodu* or *Naikpod Masks* 🎭 🪔 🔹 Worn during the powerful *Nayakpodu dance-drama,* these handcrafted masks represent *kings, queens, demons and animals,* central to narratives that celebrate the triumph of good over evil. 🔹 Dancers don these expressive masks during *village fairs and religious festivals* , often believed to be possessed by divine spirits as they perform for *blessings like rain and fertility.* 🔹 With vibrant colours and striking forms, each mask is an *artistic marvel* , created by *skilled artisans* whose craft keeps this folk tradition alive across generations. 🔹 The masked performers enthral audiences with *dramatic enactments and intricate dance* , turning mythological tales into immersive community experiences. 🔹 More than just performance accessories, *Naikpod Masks* are *living embodiments of Telangana’s cultural soul,* blending devotion, identity and artisanal mastery. ✨ *Naikpod Masks – Sacred stories carved in colour, danced in spirit.*