The Joychandi Pahar Paryatan Utsav

Every year, from around Christmas Day (25 December) through to New Year's Day or shortly after, the foothills of Joychandi Pahar transform into a vibrant cultural fair: the Paryatan Utsav, or Tourism Festival. Fifty to sixty stalls appear selling food, handicrafts and local goods. A few fairground rides delight children. Most importantly, local artists take to the stage to perform: Chhau dance troupes bring the UNESCO-recognised masked martial dance to life under floodlights, Santali singers and dancers perform and Jhumur songs fill the evening air. This festival is the best opportunity to witness the living performing arts culture of Purulia in a single concentrated event and it draws visitors from across the district and beyond.