IGRMS revives exhibit of month initiative

The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS) has revived its ‘Exhibit of the Month’ programme to attract visitors and showcase the country’s diverse cultural traditions. The museum, functioning under the Ministry of Culture, has in its collection some unique displays that highlight India’s rich heritage.

The museum has featured a traditional rain-invoking ritual from Chhattisgarh — the symbolic marriage of frogs — as the exhibit for the month. A clay model of a frog is on display along with details of the ritual.

A note from IGRMS said the ritual, practised by agrarian communities during periods of drought, is performed in the month of ‘Sawan’ when the monsoon fails to arrive. The ritual is performed based on the belief that frogs are closely associated with rainfall and the onset of the monsoon. The ritual is organised collectively by village residents and includes a procession, community participation, and some activities.