Classified as an intangible heritage of humanity, Chhau dance is a centuries-old tradition from Eastern India. By combining martial techniques and mythological stories, this nighttime performance, carried by costumed dancers, celebrates local folklore and remains a powerful vector of community unity in the face of changes in the modern world.
Everyone arriving in Kolkata for the first time totes a bagful of preconceptions, mostly from books or films such as City of Joy. It’s true that, like all of India’s megacities, it has its less attractive sides. But once tamed it reveals an atmosphere that’s all its own. To appreciate its charm, take a stroll …
Even if the royal Bengal tiger never shows his furry face, this trip among the mangroves will leave you with some totally enchanted memories. The Sundarbans (“beautiful forest” in Bengali) is the largest salt-tolerant mangrove forest in the world and has been a Unesco World heritage site since 1987.
