6 places in India, which are famous for mask-making

From the colourful Chhau masks of West Bengal to the devotional creations of Assam, explore 6 destinations where unique masks in India bring folk theatre, mythology and regional craftsmanship to life

Discover unique masks in India, from Purulia’s vibrant Chhau creations to Majuli’s traditional Mukha masks

6 places to explore unique masks in India

Updated on:

25 Oct 2026, 1:45 pm

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:

Worn during monastery festivals, these handcrafted masks accompany ritual dances that represent the triumph of good over evil

Chham Masks, Himachal Pradesh: These masked dances feature colourful masks of Buddhist deities, protectors and fearsome mythical beings

Crafted for religious and cultural performances, these masks are paired with elaborate costumes

Singhi Chham and Yak Chham Masks, Sikkim: Sikkim's traditional masked dances feature striking animal and mythological characters, including the snow lion associated with Singhi Chham

Kerala's Kathakali is renowned for its elaborate facial makeup and headgear rather than conventional full-face masks

Kathakali masks, Kerala: Green faces, bold eye detailing and distinctive colours help identify noble heroes, & fierce villains, making it one of the unique masks in India

Kushmandi is renowned for its wooden Gomira masks, used in a traditional folk dance associated with local beliefs and ceremonial practices

Gomira 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 heritage

Made from materials such as bamboo, cloth and clay, these masks depict characters including Ravana, Hanuman and Narasimha

Mukha masks, Assam: Majuli's mask-making tradition flourished in Vaishnavite monasteries, known as sattras, where artisans created masks for devotional theatre called bhaona

These elaborate masks, often paired with towering headgear, are essential to Purulia's energetic Chhau dance performances

Chhau 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

Journey through 7 legendary bazaars of the ancient Silk Route

Masks