Charida, snuggled at a corner of the culturally rich Purulia district, is the village of 300 skilled mask makers of the celebrated dance form of the region, Chau dance. The tradition of making Chau masks started in Charida about 150 years back during the rule of King Madan Mohan Singh Deo of Baghmundi. The vibrant, colourful and elaborate masks convey the vigorous intent of the art form that portray animals or characters from the epics.