Rural tourism and craft heritage: A case study of Charida mask-making village, Purulia, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63697/jessp.2026.10111Keywords:
Rural tourism, Mask-making, Chhau dance, Cultural tradition, TransformationAbstract
Rural tourism involves introducing tourists to non-urban areas where they can engage with local heritage and culture. While tourists can experience the essence of village life and culture, rural tourism also helps strengthen community identity and economic growth. Charida, a small village near the Ayodhya hills in Purulia district, West Bengal, India, is the principal hub of mask-making, primarily used in the traditional Chhau dance. Chhau has been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and the mask has received global recognition. Charida, also known as Mask Village or the ‘Mukhosh Gram’, serves as a point of intersection between tangible and intangible cultural heritage. This study analyzes the pattern and growth of rural tourism in Charida. It understands how rural tourism has been influencing the livelihood and cultural heritage of the artisan community. The socio-economic data were collected through field visits, including interviews and a questionnaire survey. A purposive sampling process had been followed during the field visits. Charida is a notable example of how cultural heritage supports a rural economy and livelihoods. The traditional craft of Chhau mask-making has strengthened rural tourism, improved the socio-economic conditions, and enhanced the cultural recognition of the artisan community. The long-term sustainability of mask-making, however, depends on effective management practices, community participation, and balanced development planning.
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The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Amrita Mishra, Shipra Ghosh, Sujay Kumar Mandal
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