6 places to explore unique masks in India
Masks in India are much more than colourful works of art. They bring mythological characters to life, add drama to folk performances and preserve traditions passed down through generations. From the villages of West Bengal to the river island of Majuli in Assam, artisans shape clay, paper, wood and other materials into striking creations. Each region has its own style, with distinctive colours, facial expressions and cultural stories. Some masks are worn by dancers during traditional performances, while others play a role in religious ceremonies and storytelling.
6 places to explore unique masks in India:
Chham Masks, Himachal Pradesh: These masked dances feature colourful masks of Buddhist deities, protectors and fearsome mythical beingsSinghi Chham and Yak Chham Masks, Sikkim: Sikkim's traditional masked dances feature striking animal and mythological characters, including the snow lion associated with Singhi ChhamKathakali masks, Kerala: Green faces, bold eye detailing and distinctive colours help identify noble heroes, & fierce villains, making it one of the unique masks in IndiaGomira masks, Dakshin Dinajpur: Often carved into striking human and demonic faces, these masks are painted in bold colours and remain closely connected to the region's rural artistic heritageMukha masks, Assam: Majuli's mask-making tradition flourished in Vaishnavite monasteries, known as sattras, where artisans created masks for devotional theatre called bhaonaChhau masksm Purulia: Charida village is famous for its vibrant Chhau masks, crafted from layers of clay, paper and cloth and painted as gods, goddesses, demons and other characters