Mayurbhanj Chhau

Domain:Performing arts

State: Orissa

Description:

Mayurbhanj, located in the northern part of Odisha is famous for its Chhau dance. The warriors in this dance dress in their traditional costumes and follow strict techniques of Chhau while performing the dance. It is in the Odia speaking regions where Chhau was prevalent in the past and is now being practised in the present. These are Mayurbhanj, Saraikela, Puruliya. In the past, these three regions were under one administration. In the early stage of Chhau dance, masks were used in all the three forms of the dance - Mayurbhanj, Seraikela, and Puruliya. The masks were discarded by the Mayurbhanj Chhau later. In the beginning, this dance form was confined to swordplay, with a sword in one hand and the shield in the other. Most of the accompanying music was composed only to exhibit the physical powers, techniques of sword playing and acrobatic movements of the dancers. In Mayurbhanj Chhau, in order to make the body fit and flexible to learn all the techniques, the trainees have to practise their expressions by doing different types of exercises that stress on their body movements. Dress, costumes, and makeup play an important role in all dance performances. Chhau is a dance drama, the characters portrayed in the dance are of Gods and Goddesses and sometimes animals. The dresses and costumes used in the dance depend on the theme and the characters portrayed. Dress items include dhoti gamcha, turban, and kamarband. Some of the ornaments are ghungroo and bajubandh. Swords, shields, lathi (stick), bow and arrow are some of the important props. The music (which is a combination of classical and folk music of Odisha) plays a prominent role. Dhol, Shehnai, Dhumsa, and Chad-chadi are some of the important instruments of this dance form.