Mumbai hosts Chhau Porbo-2, a vibrant showcase of Purulia Chhau dance from West Bengal, blending martial arts, mythology, and explosive masks. The December 2025 event celebrates this UNESCO-recognized folk art, drawing urban audiences to its rhythmic power and storytelling through dynamic performances.
Event Spotlight
Chhau Porbo-2 brings Purulia Chhau—the most visually striking Chhau variant—to Mumbai's stages, featuring masked dancers embodying gods, demons, and warriors. Rooted in tribal traditions, this open-air folk dance fuses gymnastics, swordplay, and intricate footwork to epic Ramayana-Mahabharata tales, accompanied by dhol drums and shehnai.
Cultural Bridge
Organized by cultural collectives, the festival revives this 700-year-old art facing urbanization threats. Purulia Chhau's massive masks (up to 10kg) and fluid transitions mesmerize, earning UNESCO Intangible Heritage status. Mumbai edition promises workshops, masterclasses, and fusion shows bridging Bengal's rural rhythms with cosmopolitan flair.
Key Highlights
-
Dance Style: Purulia Chhau—masked, martial folk art.
-
Features: Mythological themes, acrobatics, giant masks.
-
UNESCO Status: Intangible Cultural Heritage (2010).
-
Mumbai Dates: December 2025; workshops included.
Sources: Cultural event announcements, UNESCO heritage records