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Discover Charida: Book Events & Activities in Barddhaman, West Bengal on Varoom

Discover the living tradition of Charida, a quaint village of 308 skilled mask makers famed for the vibrant Chau dance-an acrobatic martial art-based performance inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity-where you can watch artists craft elaborate, colorful masks that portray animals and epic characters from scratch; located in the red-soil foothills of the scenic Ayodhya Hills, about 5 km from Baghmundi in West Bengal, the village’s 150-year-old Chau mask-making tradition began during the rule of King Madan Mohan Singh Deo of Baghmundi and has earned a Geographical Indication (GI) tag; when you visit, you can engage with artisans at the Rural Craft Hub developed by the state’s Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises & Textiles in association with UNESCO, making it an ideal cultural experience to book through Varoom for workshops, shows, tours, family outings, or Group-Friendly Events.

About this activity in Barddhaman

Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Highlights

  • Visit Charida, a living centre of Chau mask craftsmanship where around 308 artisans keep the 150-year tradition alive that originated under the Baghmundi royal patronage.
  • See the region’s acrobatic martial art, Chau dance, celebrated on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, reflected in the vivid, oversized masks.
  • Observe how GI‑tagged Chau masks are carved and painted by hand - the elaborate designs bring epic characters and animals to life in the area’s performances.
  • Explore the government-supported Rural Craft Hub where you can meet artisans, watch demonstrations and learn about the full mask-making process up close.

Important Information

  • Charida sits on the scenic red‑soil foothills of the Ayodhya Hills, approximately 5 km from Baghmundi, making it an easy day trip from nearby towns in Barddhaman district.
  • The mask-making tradition here dates back about 150 years and the colourful masks directly reflect the region’s Chau dance heritage and mythic themes.
  • Workshops and demonstrations at the craft hub are suitable for visitors of all ages and physical fitness levels - you can comfortably watch and participate where offered.
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, so you can reach the village without private vehicles and plan your visit as part of a larger Barddhaman travel itinerary.

Meeting Point

Meet at the Rural Craft Hub in Charida, located at the foothills of the Ayodhya Hills, about 5 km from Baghmundi - gather at the hub’s visitor area before your tour or workshop.

Includes

  • You’ll receive mask making materials included with your booking-ideal for hands-on workshops in Barddhaman, West Bengal.
  • These materials are curated for easy use during the session, so you can focus on learning the craft without hunting for supplies in the area.
  • Bring your creativity; the provided kit supports beginners and families taking part in local art and culture activities here.

Excludes

  • No specific exclusions are listed for this offering; check your booking confirmation for any event-specific notes.
  • If you need clarification about what’s not provided, contact the host before arrival to avoid surprises in the region.
  • If you require additional supplies beyond the included mask making materials, plan to source them locally or confirm availability ahead of time.

Other

  • Public transportation options are available nearby in Barddhaman, West Bengal, making it easy to reach the venue using local buses and trains.
  • The location is suitable for all physical fitness levels, so you can join the event whether you prefer a gentle walk or minimal mobility effort to get here.
  • Plan your route in advance-using nearby transit makes attending workshops, family activities, and tours in the area simple and convenient.

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Discover vibrant heritage and local flavors when you plan Events and activities in Barddhaman, West Bengal, where Art & Culture showcases, immersive workshops, and guided tours make it easy to connect with the region’s traditions. You’ll find the area ideal for family-friendly outings, Food & Drink experiences, and Outdoor & Nature excursions that pair well with group bookings and multi-day plans. Book here to tap into curated sightseeing, cultural shows, and hands-on workshops that help you design memorable Events and stays in this destination.

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Know more about Barddhaman

Charida is a unique village of 308 skilled mask makers known for the Chau masks used in the acrobatic martial art Chau dance. Located at the scenic foothills of the Ayodhya Hills, the village offers direct access to traditional mask making that dates back about 150 years and features masks that have earned a Geographical Indication (GI) tag and recognition on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
You can see how the colourful and elaborate masks are integral to the vigorous Chau dance, an acrobatic martial art that brings characters from the epics to life. The close connection between mask makers and performers makes it easy to combine studio visits with live or staged demonstrations in the village.
The quaint village is located about 5 km from Baghmundi at the foothills of the Ayodhya Hills, making it a short regional trip for sightseeing and cultural tours. Public transportation options are available nearby, so it’s straightforward to include this destination in a day trip or multi-day itinerary.
Yes - you can experience the tedious task of making elaborate Chau masks from scratch directly with local artists. The village’s Rural Craft Hub supports interactive learning with the traditional techniques used to create vibrant, colourful masks that portray animals or epic characters.
Yes - the village experience is family-friendly and well suited to kids who are curious about art and culture. You can observe and sometimes participate in age-appropriate mask-making activities while learning about the local tradition that has continued for about 150 years.
The Rural Craft Hub developed in Charida by the state department in association with UNESCO supports the preservation and promotion of Chau mask making. The Chau mask’s Geographical Indication (GI) tag recognizes the mask’s cultural origin and craftsmanship, helping you connect with an authentic, protected art form during your visit.