The culture in Purulia concentrates on the traditional folk dance "Chau". The rare mask dance of eastern India Chau represents the essentially local culture. The uniqueness of the "Chau" lies in the fact that it is the dramatic representation of everyday life of the common people on stage.

There are several categories of this Chau culture. However the antiquity of Purulia`s local culture traced back to 12-14th century A.D. when the small pockets of present Purulia was inhabited by the hostile tribes. Some Hindu chieftains, so far the historical records are concerned established their sovereignty in the region. With the passing of days their cultured was synchronized with the local culture of the tribals and that coordinated culture have become modified into the present day "Chau dance". Apart from the Chau culture different layers of influence, which have been accumulated for ages, is discernible in the folk culture and the human behavior and the nature and style of living.

Presently the Chau dance of Purulia has attained an international publicity. The Chau dance is an inseparable part of the rituals and the festivals occasioned in Purulia. The Chau dance, always followed by the ritual in the nearby Shiva temple is significant enough. The folk culture of Purulia is invested with ritualistic significance of the land.