Found nearly all over India, these masks are also representative of artistic excellence. The colourful masks, sometimes huge and elaborate, sometimes small and petite, help the actors portray various characters on stage.
Many of the masks have predetermined colour codes that help the spectators judge if a particular character is good or evil, divine or human or demonic, hero or villain, etc. One of the well-known mask dances of India is the chhau. Held usually during the Chaitra Parab Festival, the chhau dance of Purulia (West Bengal), Saraikela (Jharkhand) and Mayurbhanj (Orissa) is usually based on mythical stories. The chhau dancers of Purulia and Saraikela make use of masks to characterise their dance.
Many regular and master dancers are famous mask makers as well. Charida village in Purulia, West Bengal, is known for its mask making. Many of these masks are now also used as ethnic interior decor items. Mask dances in the monasteries of Sikkim are also an important part of their various festivals. Interestingly, the popular dance forms of Kerala, like Koodiyattam and Kathakali, make use of highly stylised mask-like facial make up.
Although traditionally these dances do not require the use of masks, artisans often use the typical expressions to cast them in decorative masks.