Chhau Dance

The Chhau is a blend of folk, tribal and martial arts. ‘Chhau’ – is derived from the Sanskrit word‘Chaaya’, meaning Shadow, image or mask. Also, Chhau is defined by Sitakanta Mahapatra to be derived from Chhauni ( Military Camp) in Odia language. Traditionally performed by Males – Male troupes.

The themes in Chhau

• Vaishnavism.
• Shaivism.
• Shaktism.

The costumes used in Chhau

• Bright colored costumes.
• Huge ornamental headgears.
• Masks depend upon the role you play in the story.

The music and instruments used for Chhau

• The music is based on folk melodies.
• Mohuri, Shehnai, Dhol, Dhumsa, Kharka or Chadchadi are few instruments employed to create the music.

The revival, recognition and recent developments of Chhau

• In 2010, Chhau was listed in the UNESCO’S Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• The Government has established Government Chhau Centre in Seraikella in 1960 and Myurbhanj Chhau Nritya Pratishthan at Baripada in 1962.
• The Sangeet Natak Akademi established a National Centre for Chhau Dance at Baripada, Odisha.

Efforts from the government of India to revive Indian Classical Dances

• The government of India puts continuous efforts in preserving, promoting the Indian classical dances in India and abroad as well.
• The establishment of Sangeet Natak Akademi, Delhi and its allied centers and constituent bodies boosted the development of these classical dances.
• The grand Classical dance festivals like Khajuraho, Konark, Dhauli Kalinga, Kalidas, Mukteshwar, Soorya, Ellora, Nishagandhi etc., displays the beautiful representation of Indian Classical Dances.
• The classical dances flourished and developed further with the establishment of Music and Dance Universities like Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh, Raja Mansingh Tomar University, Gwalior etc. and the various Institutions like Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal, Prayag Sangeet Samiti. They not only added to the development of it but also helped the classical dance forms to reach till common people.