**Mumbai Welcomes Chhau Dancers and Baul Singer from Purulia for Durga Puja Celebrations**
Mumbai: Durga Puja celebrates the arrival of Goddess Durga and marks a period of spirituality and devotion. However, the festival is incomplete without the vibrant art, culture, and traditions that have evolved around the worship of the Mother Goddess.
This year in Mumbai, the festivities are getting a special cultural boost from a troupe of Chhau dancers and a Baul singer from West Bengal’s Purulia district. A group of 15 artists from Charida village, led by their team leader Tulsi Das Kalindi, will tour the city, performing at six venues over five days. Their performances will give the city a unique glimpse into the rich folk culture of Bengal.
**Chhau Dance: A UNESCO Heritage**
Chhau is an expressive art form combining dance, elaborate costumes, and music to enact stories from Hindu mythology. It has several local variations, with distinct versions in West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The Purulia Chhau style, known for its colorful masks, intricate hand movements, and dynamic steps, is inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Kalindi, who has traveled to Mumbai with his son and fellow performers, represents the fourth generation of Chhau dancers in his family. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to perform in Mumbai. “I thank the organisers for their endeavour to promote our art form in this digital era. With support like this, we will surely be able to preserve Chhau dance for generations to come,” he said.
**Performances Across the City**
Kalindi’s troupe will enchant audiences at pandals and venues in Ulwe, New Panvel, Dombivli, Borivali, Mira Road, and the Seawoods NRI Complex. Umashankar Mahapatra, a core member of the NRI Seawoods Durgotsav Committee, highlighted that awareness of Chhau remains limited outside Bengal.
“Our committee operates under the NRI Bengali Cultural and Welfare Trust. This initiative is an outreach effort to showcase the rich art and cultural traditions of Bengal to our community here in an inclusive manner,” said Mahapatra.
**A Baul Singer’s Mystic Melody**
Adding to the cultural richness, Tapan Jogi Baul, a renowned exponent of the mystical Baul singing tradition, will perform during intervals when the Chhau dancers change costumes. When not on stage, Baul mesmerizes fellow train travelers with the enchanting sound of his voice and his single-stringed ektara.
“Coming to Mumbai and performing on a stage for Durga Puja is indeed a blessing from Maa Durga,” said Baul.
**Looking Ahead**
Indranil Mukherjee, founder-member of Vibgyor Photography and the person who brought these artists to Mumbai, expressed excitement about the enthusiastic support they have received. “The love and encouragement confirm the need for such initiatives. We are thrilled to announce that a major stage act is already being planned for December as a special treat for all Bengalis and art lovers in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai,” Mukherjee shared.
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### Venues and Schedule
**Panchami – September 27, 7:30 pm:**
Ulwe Bengali Welfare Trust, St Wilfred School Ground, Plot No. 5, Sector 2, Ulwe, Navi Mumbai.
**Sasthi – September 28, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm:**
Sharad Parivar Bengali Association, MBMC Parking Building, Latiff Park, Poonam Garden Road, Mira Bhayandar (Baul solo performance).
**Sasthi – September 28, 8:00 pm:**
Milantirtha, Sant Saibaba School Ground, Sector 19, Opposite Post Office, New Panvel, Navi Mumbai.
**Saptami – September 29, 12:30 pm:**
Probashi Bengali Association, Palava City, Dombivli (One pala/act only).
**Saptami – September 29, 8:00 pm:**
Bandhan Cultural Association, Mira Road.
**Ashtami – September 30, 8:00 pm:**
NRI Seawoods Durgotsav, NRI Complex Phase 1 Club House, Seawoods, Navi Mumbai.
**Navami – October 1, 7:30 pm:**
Sanskriti, Borivali, Mumbai.
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Join these enchanting performances to experience the soulful spirit of Durga Puja infused with the rich cultural heritage of Bengal’s Chhau dance and Baul music.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-durga-puja-to-showcase-bengals-folk-culture-with-chhau-dance-baul-music