About

• Chhau dance is a tradition from eastern India that enacts episodes from epics including the Mahabharata and Ramayana, local folklore and abstract themes. 
• It is a semi-classical Indian dance form with unique martial and folk traditions.
• The dance is believed to have emerged from a fusion of classical Hindu dances and the martial traditions of ancient regional tribes.

• It enacts episodes from epics including the Mahabharata and Ramayana, local folklore and abstract themes. 
• Its three distinct styles hail from the regions of Seraikella, Purulia and Mayurbhanj, the first two using masks: 
  • Purulia Chhau in West Bengal is known for the use of dramatic masks, powerful movements, with themes based on mythology and epics.
  • Seraikella Chhau from Jharkhand is known for depicting scenes of hunting and warfare accompanied with vigorous movements.
  • Mayurbhanj Chhau from Odisha is known for its stylized movements, with themes inspired by nature.
• The dance is performed at night in an open space to traditional and folk melodies, played on the reed pipes mohuri and shehnai.
• Chhau dance is intimately connected to regional festivals, notably the spring festival Chaitra Parva. 
• Chhau is usually taught to male dancers from families of traditional artists or from local communities.