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June 24, 2022

The word “chhau dance,” often written “chau” or “chaauu,” refers to a tribal dance style that combines dance and martial arts. In the eastern region of India, chhau is a well-liked dancing style. There are three different ways to do chhau dance, each called for the location where it first appeared or developed. The Mayurbhanj Chhau is a well-known Chhau dance from Orissa. As Seraikella chhau and Purulia chhau, respectively, the chhau dance is also well-known in Jharkhand and Bengal. For each variety of chhau dance, a new outfit is used, yet the narrative that each type of chhau dance portrays is essentially the same.
The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are two Hindu epics that frequently appear in chhau dancing. This type of dance is typically practised in the spring and it unites individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds. The Mayurbhanj chhau is a unique variety of chhau dance that is performed in Orissa. It has the name of the Orissan region of Mayurbhanj, where this dancing style first appeared. The Mayurbhanj Chhau outfits are particularly vibrant. For various roles portrayed in the Mayurbhanj chhau, different clothes are worn. While actors portraying demons and monsters typically wear black-colored trousers, actors portraying gods and kings typically wear pyjamas in a deep green, red, or yellow colour.The Orissan chhau dancing style known as Mayurbhanj chhau has a lengthy history. It’s a style of tribal dance that dates back to the 18th century and the deep forests of Mayurbhanj. In the 19th century, it later developed with the martial arts. Under the royal sponsorship, it expanded.The Bhanja kings were devoted supporters of the arts and culture. Chhau dance was carefully structured, grew into a superior form, and was performed by the artists in a disciplined way under the patronage of the monarchs of Mayurbhanj.
By Subhechcha Ganguly
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