Purulia Chhau
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
A vigorous masked dance-drama of Purulia district, with leaps, somersaults and large painted masks, telling stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.
FolkWhere: West Bengal (Purulia district)Occasion: Chaitra Sankranti and the spring festival season; also village fairs and stage showsUNESCO heritage 2010
| Performed by | Traditionally men from village troupes |
|---|---|
| Costume | Large, colourful masks of clay and paper, many made in the village of Charida, with elaborate headdresses and bright costumes |
| Music and instruments | Dhol, dhamsa (large kettle drum) and the reed instrument shehnai, with sung introductions |
How it is performed
- The performance usually begins with an invocation to Ganesha.
- Masked dancers enter as gods, demons, heroes and animals, each introduced by the singers and drummers.
- Because the face is hidden, the dancers express everything through vigorous body movement: high leaps, spins, somersaults and stamping.
- Battle scenes between gods and demons, such as Durga fighting Mahishasura, are the high point of the night.
Significance
Purulia Chhau keeps alive the martial and folk traditions of the Chhota Nagpur plateau. Chhau, in its Seraikela, Purulia and Mayurbhanj styles, is on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Purulia Chhau masks have a GI tag.