Purulia - Masks and More

From the size of a finger to as far as you can stretch both your arms (both ways, up and down and side to side and even bigger), rows upon rows of masks adorned the four walls of most of the tiny shops. Here one thing that will instantly catch your eye is the vibrant paint and the majestic crowns that are exclusive to these masks, making them one of a kind. Ranging from Goddess Durga to Ganesh, from tribal people to various animals, these papier-mâché masks are nearly lost art and dying heritage of Bengal. Known as the Chhau masks of Purulia, West Bengal, they carry a long line of history.

In Charida an otherwise sleepy hamlet of Purulia even as this art form is rapidly spiralling to its downfall, its artisans are desperately holding onto their heritage as their last straw of ‘pride’ making its visitors realize that we are after all defined by our roots.

Purulia has more than masks of course.

Here the slopes of the surrounding mountains of Ajodhya Hills race down the gentle slope to kiss the acres and acres of fields. From far their rounded peak pouts up to kiss the sun. Joychandi Pahar or Hill is the most visited destination here. With a temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi situated atop the hill, the little trek will do you good. Besides a small stop at the Bamni Falls and a stroll at the Upper and Lower Dam along with Murguma Dam will give you the opportunity to soak in the surrounding village scenery

What is there to lose when your soul gets lost amidst the rustic rural life of Bengal? Like all other villages of India, Purulia gives us a sneak peek into the world which we often desire to escape to. A space to ‘breath.’