Royal Rhythms & Hidden Gems: Experience the Chhau Festival at The Belgadia Palace
Centuries ago, India was a land of a thousand kingdoms, each with its own vibrant court, art, and traditions. While the maharajas may no longer rule, the legacy lives on. Today, it is entirely possible to step into that royal grandeur by staying in a palace-turned-hotel. But true luxury isn’t just about the room—it’s about the access to culture.
This January, Rare India brings you a unique opportunity to witness the soul of Eastern India at The Belgadia Palace. Nestled in the quiet town of Baripada, Odisha, this 200-year-old Victorian-era residence of the royal family of Mayurbhanj is hosting an exclusive Chhau Festival from January 29th to January 31st, 2026.
A Trinity of Tradition: The Varieties of Chhau
Chhau is not just a dance; it is a UNESCO-recognized art form that blends martial traditions, folklore, and myth. One of the rarest aspects of this experience is the chance to witness the three distinct styles of Chhau in one destination:
- Mayurbhanj Chhau (Odisha): Unique for being unmasked, this style is athletic and deeply rooted in martial traditions.
- Saraikela Chhau (Jharkhand): A more refined style that uses masks to convey delicate expressions.
- Purulia Chhau (West Bengal): Known for its vibrancy, drama, and flamboyant, oversized masks.
An Immersive 3-Day Royal Itinerary
This isn’t just a sightseeing tour; it is a “culture without chaos” experience where you are a personal guest of the royal family.
Day 1: The Royal Welcome (Jan 29)
Your journey begins with a traditional Odia welcome and a guided tour of the palace by Princess Mrinalika M. Bhanj Deo herself. The evening features a talk by Princess Akshita M. Bhanj Deo on the martial roots of Chhau, followed by a live performance of the unmasked Mayurbhanj style.
Access more details fromRARE INDIA website here.
Day 2: Culture & Craft (Jan 30)
Dive into the local culture with a visit to the Baripada Haat (tribal market) and a local artisan village to see Sabai grass weaving. The evening brings a contrast in rhythm with a performance of the masked Saraikela Chhau, followed by dinner by the pool where you can meet Maharani and her daughters.
Day 3: The Finale (Jan 31)
Choose your own adventure: a nature excursion into the Simlipal Biosphere Reserve or a cooking class with Chef Joymalya highlighting indigenous ingredients. The experience culminates with a grand Purulia Chhau performance—the most dramatic of the three styles.
The “Double Benefit”: Why Travel in Late January?
This itinerary is perfectly timed to offer you a “double benefit”—maximum culture with optimized logistics.You can either fly to Agra or Prayagraj
- Taj Mahal by Moonlight: If you plan your trip around this festival, you can sync your dates to visit the Taj Mahal between January 30th and February 3rd, the rare window when it opens for night viewing.
- Jaisalmer Desert Festival: The end of January also hosts the vibrant Desert Festival in Rajasthan.
- Magh Kumbh Mela: On Feb 1st, witness Magh Purnima in Prayagraj where millions pitch in for sacred bath in river Ganga.
By combining these, you get to see the diversity of India—from the deserts of the West to the lush tribal belts of the East—without the usual price premiums of peak tourist traps.
Plan Your Journey
This experience allows you to show the world a side of India that is authentic, regal, and deeply personal.
- For the Full Experience: Contact us to craft a bespoke overall India itinerary. We can seamlessly integrate the Chhau Festival with the Taj Mahal night viewing and the Jaisalmer Desert Festival for a complete Indian sojourn.
- For the Chhau Festival Only: If you wish to book just the 3-night Chhau Festival experience at The Belgadia Palace, please reach out directly to Rare India.
Don’t just visit India; experience its living heritage.