Vashi: Navi Mumbai is set for a cultural spectacle as Purulia Chhau, West Bengal’s vibrant mask dance, takes centre stage at Chhau Porbo on June 21 at Samnnaya Kali Bari in Vashi. Presented by VIBGYOR—a group committed to documenting folk traditions—the event promises a powerful showcase of heritage through artistry and storytelling.

The performance features the renowned Hara Gauri Chhau Nritya Dal, led by Tulsi Das Kalindi. This 11-member troupe will captivate audiences with mythological enactments like Mahishasur Mardini and Mahiravan Badh, dressed in elaborate masks and dynamic attire. Eight performers will alternate between male and female characters, while four versatile musicians accompany them using traditional instruments: dhol, dhamsha, shehnai, and jhunjhuna.

Chhau is a semi-classical dance rooted in martial, folk, and tribal traditions, celebrated in three styles—Purulia (West Bengal), Seraikella (Jharkhand), and Mayurbhanj (Odisha)—each with its distinct aesthetic. While Purulia and Seraikella feature expressive masks, Mayurbhanj relies on unmasked gesture to convey emotion. Traditionally performed by male troupes in open-air akharas, the dance draws from epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, blending athleticism with mythic expression.

UNESCO recognized Chhau as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010, underlining its cultural importance. VIBGYOR’s initiative is more than a performance—it’s a campaign to preserve a living legacy. “It’s about honoring a tradition that’s still breathing,” says founder Indranil Mukherjee, who will also release his book Beats on the Blink – The Rhythm of Purulia, a documentation of Chhau, Jhumur, and Baul traditions.

Chhau Porbo offers a rare chance to experience a centuries-old art form in urban surroundings—a meaningful blend of culture, artistry, and community.