Monday, 1 February 2016

Kushmundi: The Village of the Dancing Masks

Along the banks of the Srimati River, the undulating ridges and long lines of mango-trees Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur offers a landscape the beauty which is unique and ecstatic. The wooden masks of Kushmandi is associated with the Rajbangshi community of the area. Around 150 artists are into making wooden masks and 60 families into Bamboo based work. The wood is generally sourced from the Gamar trees. These masks are part of the costume of the traditional Gomira dancers who perform it during Chandi Puja. Themes of the masks are generally spiritual, historic and religious.

Kushmundi can be reached by train from Kolkata via Kaliyagunj and thereafter by road. Total travel time from Kolkata is around 14 hours. Nearest lodging facility is available in Raigunj. The place is also well connected by NBSTC buses. Kaliyaganj, the nearest railway station is 17 km from the resource centre. Take a car from the station to reach Mahishbathan, Kushmundi.  

Nearby places of interest
• Visit the lake Mahipal Dighi to see variety of migratory birds in winter. It is also a picnic spot.
• Tread into the past as you visit the ruins of ‘Neelkothi’ – bungalow of the infamous indigo (Neel) cultivator Thomas who was a close friend of William Kerry.
• Enjoy a promenade at Aira forest, 2 kms from Mahipal.
•Remember about the stories of Mahabharata while you visit the ‘Shami Brikshya’ where it is said that the Pandavas hid their arms.



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