Kushmundi is home of Wooden Mask makers and also has Dhokra weavers, Pottery, Basketry artists around. Mahisbathan - Wooden Mask, Kulator, Dehat, Pottery village – Kunoor, Basketry village – Daspara, Bamboo Mask – Baishyapara will give you a unique craft experience. Explore the villages, interact with artists, participate at workshop and see Community Museum at Kushmandi Wooden Mask Resource centre. Kushmundi also holds the Geographical Indication (GI) for the Wooden Mask art form.
Nearest railway station is Kaliagunj. Kushmandi, Mahishbathan is 17 km from Kaliagunj. Other option: Reach Kushmandi by road via Malda. It will take 2 hours.
In Mahabharata it is said that the Pandavas in incognito, took shelter in the palace of King Birat, ruins of which are seen at Bairhatta - a village i...
Bangarh is situated on the bank of Punarbhava river. It was called “DEVKOT” in ancient times and is of Historical importance. The ruins of the cit...
This small forest is located near the Indo-Bangladesh Border with many ponds and old trees. It is Approximately 14 kms from Kushamandi. A beautiful pl...
A beautiful and large lake with Historical Background. It is said that the lake was dug by King Mahipal II of the Pal dynasty. The lake is an ideal r...
One can enjoy stay at the Folk Art Centre with well furnished lodging facilities along with basic amenities that are available for the guests. There are lodges at Kaliaganj too.
Kushmundi is home of Wooden Mask makers and also has Dhokra weavers, Pottery, Basketry artists around. Mahisbathan – Wooden Mask, Kulator, Dehat, Pottery village – Kunoor, Basketry village – Daspara, Bamboo Mask – Baishyapara will give you a unique craft experience. Explore the villages, interact with artists, participate at workshop and see Community Museum at … Continue reading “Kushmandi”
View DetailsThe Hub has a three storied building where guests can visit, observe the craftsmen at work and can also see the artifacts displayed. One can explore the Folk Art Centre to marvel at the craftsmanship and even participate in workshops to learn the craft and its history and associated stories. Various workshops and training sessions are held here from time to time.
The wooden masks are traditionally objects of worship and devotion. The craft of Gomira mask making, in its pristine form, catered to the needs of the Gomira dancers and any villager wishing to give a mask as an offering to the village deity. The ecstatic Gomira dance masks of Dinajpur district have ensued from animistic practices of the Desi and Poli communities of the Rajbongshis. The Gomira dances or Mukha Khel are organized to propitiate the deity to usher in the ‘good forces’ and drive out the ‘evil force’ during harvesting season. Traditionally, the Gomira dance starts with the entry of two characters Bura-Buri, who are the human representation of Shiva and Parvati. Apart from the ritualistic purpose this dance performance is also a source of joy and gaiety for the villagers. The masks started their journey from the village dance performances to the urban drawing room and with time became delectable pieces of art.
The community of artists of Kushmandi celebrate their 3 day annual village fair known as Mukha Mela . The festival also brings an opportunity to witness other folk traditions of Bengal in addition to Mukha and Khon.
