Surrounded by Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan on three sides, the hill district of Darjeeling is the northern-most part of West Bengal. The immigrant Bhutias, Lepchas, Nepalese and Tibetans comprise the main bulk of the population. Variations of masked dances known as Cham are performed at festivals by lamas (monks) in the monastries, as is the case elsewhere in the neighbouring states. These mask dances are designed to dispel evil forces, to establish Dharma, to teach the laity about a Buddhist conception of unseen worlds, and to celebrate the great Guru Padmasambhava.

Bhutias and Tibetans also perform Singhicham, Chamricham and Mepacham – masked dances of lion, yak, and peacock – for entertainment. Several ritual mask dances of the Nepalese Hindus are related to the worship of Shakti in her various aspects. They also perform masked dance-dramas like Mahishasur Badh, Dev-Danab Yuddha. The Tamangs from Nepal, who are also Mahayana Buddhists, perform two ritual masked dances known as Bakpa and Jumba. The latter is performed on Buddha Purnima. The story is about the creation of three powerful figures – Dakpo, Maning, and Singhdum – by the great Padma Sambhu who was invoked to protect the creation from evil forces.

The masks are made of wood and painted. Dewa Sherpa, a traditional wood carver, is a Buddhist and one of the leading mask makers of the region. His masks of the Bhodhisatvas, tigers, lions, and demons are greatly in demand both by the tourists and the local community.