INTACH organizes mask-making and face-painting workshop for rural school children

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 15, 2026: The Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), in association with HECS-INTACH and the INTACH Heritage Club of Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu, organized a one-day workshop on traditional mask-making and face painting for schoolchildren from the Manchi-Kolnadu cluster on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu.

Addressing the gathering, Subhash Chandra Basu, Convener of INTACH Mangaluru Chapter, said there is a responsibility to preserve the traditional arts and cultural heritage of the region. “If students develop an interest in these traditions from a young age, it will contribute to preserving our history and heritage,” he observed.

INTACH Mangaluru Chapter executive committee member and artist Rajendra Kedige said mask-making and face painting not only develop artistic skills among students but also nurture creativity and personality. “When children grow up with an appreciation of art, they develop a deeper awareness and sensitivity towards it,” he said.

Artist Harish Kodialbail, one of the resource persons, conducted a practical demonstration on mask-making and introduced the students to the process of creating facial moulds using plaster of Paris and cloth. Around 60 students from different schools participated in the workshop and worked in groups to create their own masks.

Artist Reshma S., the other resource person, briefed the students on the face painting process, preparation and use of natural colours. The students learned how colours could be prepared using naturally available materials and experimented with different shades and patterns. They then painted their masks using colour schemes inspired by various Yakshagana characters, turning the creative exercise into an engaging hands-on experience.

The workshop explored the relationship between mask-making and the living traditions of Tulunadu, where face painting has an important place in Bhootakola and Yakshagana. Through the hands-on activities, the students were introduced to how colour, form and pattern can help communicate character, identity and cultural meaning.

Students from Government High School, Manchi-Kolnadu; Noojibailu Aided School; Monthimaru School; Ira Primary School and Puddottu School participated in the workshop. Certificates were presented to all participants.

Among those present were INTACH Mangaluru Chapter member Sharvani Bhat, School Development Committee President Shivashankar Rao Manchi, Vijayalakshmi Kateel, teacher at Kolnadu High School, Yashodha, teacher at Monthimaru School, Rekha, teacher at Puddottu School and teachers of the host school. Teacher Jagannath Purusha welcomed the gathering, Taranath Kairangala conducted the programme and Headmistress Sushila Vittal proposed the vote of thanks.