Centring round the Raghunath Jiu ‘asthal’ a folk dance form called Ravankata Nrittya (Ravankata Dance) patronised by the kings of Mallabhum was introduced. Ramprasad Das (Mishra), the incumbent Mahanta of the dilapidated Raghunath Jiu Ashthal said, “Sri Sri Raghunath Jiu ‘asthal’ or temple was established in 1093 Bengali era (1686 CE). The inception of Ravankata Utsab dates back to the establishment of the ‘asthal’. It was renovated in 1342 Bengali era (1935 CE). The band of Ravankata mainly comprises 8 participants including four mask dancers and four players of music. This traditional folk dance is still confined in the very particular families from its inception.

The four Ravankata dancers wear wooden masks of Hanuman, the greatest devotee of Lord Rama, Sugriv, the monkey king, Bibhishan, brother of Ravana who joined in the camp of Lord Rama in his war expedition against the demon king, and Jambavana, the king of bears, respectively.

The masks of both Hanuman and Sugriv almost resemble each other. They are painted off white in colour with drab noses. The slight ditference is that the mouth of Hanuman is a little wider than that of Sugriv. However, the mask of Jambavana is almost like an Asian Black Bear except for the white spot on the chest. Bibhishan wears a red mask with a turban on his head. The bodies of the dancers all along are covered with rough jute fibres of respective colours of the masks.

The mask dancers can see through the holes between the teeth of the masks of Hanuman, Sugriv and Jambavana, whereas, only Bibhishan watches through the holes in the eyes of the red mask. The masks are made of ‘gamar’ wood because of its lightness and durability. There are many apertures on the rear sides to loop the dyed jute fibres through for hair. The masks are painted every year by the great ‘fouzdar’ family that paints Bishnupur’s famous ‘Dasavatara Taash’.

Ravankata Utsab (festival) lasts only three days, from the auspicious Vijaya Dashami to Dwadashi. On the very first day i.e. Vijaya Dashami, the mask dancers perform in the courtyard in front of the ‘asthal’ of Raghunath Jiu. Then they ea SS proceed towards the main road adjacent to the temple and dance there too.