|
Chhau Dance - Seraikella
Chhau is a folk dance of Seraikella Kharsawam region of Bihar.
The word 'Chhau' signifies a mask. Originally a war dance to perfect fighting techniques,
it has over the years evolved into a narrative ballet. The dancer's identity
and sex are concealed on account of the mask he wears when performing
the Chhau.
On the eve of the spring festival, every year, people in Seraikella
celebrate the colourful show of 'Chhau' performance. The Seraikella
royalty preserves, projects and participates in the dance Chhau, during the month of
Chaitra Paru (April) at the venue of the kings palace.
The Adivasi version of the Chhau is called Sastriya Nritya.
In the performance of Sastriya Nritya, the dancers sometimes do not use
the mask. The use of songs, a common feature of all folk dance, is wholly
absent in Chhau. The dancer expresses the mood or theme through varied gestures. The exquisite artistic gestures are all the more appealing
with the accompaniment of music from the veena,
flute and the drum.
All these folk dances have their roots in the age old traditions of the region.
Watch Video Seraikella Chhau Dance by Pandit Gopal
Prasad Dubey
| 
