Back in 2015 we went to Purulia, West Bengal and attended a performance of Chhau dancers in a small village. I also was able to photograph some of the craftsmen who create the masks for the dance and as artworks in the area. Chhau is a semi-classical dance known for its papier-mâché masks and hand made costumes of beads and other items. The dance style is based on martial arts movements and involves many quick, acrobatic moves metered by an almost military style march.
Chhau mask maker in his workshop painting a Durga mask. 
Young Chhau dancer before a performance in Purulia, West Bengal. 
A Chhau dancer portraying Mahishasura in a performance in Purulia in 2015 
A Chhau dance dressed as Ganesha in Bundwan, West Bengal. 
The pinnacle moment of Devi Mahalaya where Mahishasura is defeated by the Goddess Durga 
Kartikeya in a Chhau dance in West Bengal 
The finale of the Devi Mahalaya with most of the cast doing a curtain call.