Culture of Purulia district in West Bengal concentrates on the traditional folk dance "Chhau". The rare mask dance of eastern India, Chhau 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 Chhau 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 tribal people and that coordinated culture have become modified into the present day "Chhau 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 Chhau dance of Purulia district 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 Lord Shiva temple is significant enough. The folk culture of Purulia is invested with ritualistic significance of the land.
