NDLI: Chhau Dance

Content Provider	IGNCA - Intangible Cultural Heritage of India
Description	Chhau is a major dance tradition of eastern India. It has three distinct styles Seraikella, Mayurbhanj and Purulia named Masks are an integral part of the dances of Seraikella and Purulia. Chhau dance has a significant role in the celebration of the spring festival Chaitra Parva, being innately connected to its rituals. It is a people’s art as it involves the entire community. Performed by male dancers from families of traditional artists, or those trained under Gurus or Ustads (masters). It traces its origin to indigenous forms of dance and martial practices. Khel (mock combat techniques), chalis and topkas (stylized gaits of birds and animals) and uflis (movements modeled on the daily chores of a village housewife) constitute the fundamental vocabulary of Chhau dance. The knowledge of dance, music and mask-making is transmitted orally. It is performed in an open space called akhada or asar and lasts through the night. The dancers perform a repertoire that explores a variety of subjects: local legends, folklore and episodes from the epics Ramayana/ Mahabharata and abstract themes. The vibrant music is characterized by the rhythm of indigenous drums like the dhol, dhumsa and kharka and the melody of the mohuri and shehnai.
Access Restriction	Open
Subject Keyword	Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Traditions and Expressions Performing Arts Social Practices Social Rituals Festive Events Traditional Craftsmanship Indian Art Forms Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage Diversity of Indian Culture Mundas Mahatos Kalindis Pattnaiks Samals Darogas Mohantys Acharyas Bhols Kars Dubeys Sahoos Mukhis Ghadheis Dhada Maharanas Mohapatras Sutradhars Seraikella Chhau Mayurbhanj Chhau Purulia Chhau
Content Type	Image Video

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