Chhau
Chhau dance is a popular classical dance of Orissa. Originally developed as a martial art, Chhau has vigorous movements and leaps. The famous puissant characters portrayed in the dances are Parashurama, Mahadev, Indrajit and other characters from the Mahabharata.The dance also lays emphasis on the depiction of birds and animals. Before only male characters participated. But gradually female characters and diverse themes were added. The dancers use stylized masks.
Seraikella, Purulia and Mayurbhanj varieties are three schools of Chhau. Mayurbhanj Chhau dancers do not wear any mask. The dancers wear specific costumes and masks to depict stories from mythology, history, regional folklore, romance and nature.
Chhau is generally performed in open air and on a raised platform. This dance is performed on the auspicious festival of Chaitra parva in the month of Chaitra. The popular stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata are staged. The dances can be solo, duet or group performances. Chhau dance is greatly influenced by folk and tribal culture of northeastern hilly region of Orissa. Purulia Chhau dances impart the message of the victory of good over evil.
Chhau dancers are worshippers of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The prominent part in this dance is leg movements. The body language in Chhau is poetic and powerful. In the pat the dance the male characters only performed form but today even females can take part in it. In this form of dance, the emotions are depicted by footwork and not by facial expressions.
Here is a list of various theme tours:
|
