Seraikela Chhau

Domain:Performing arts

State: Jharkhand

Description:

Seraikela Chhau is the masked dance of Jharkhand. Seraikela is a part of the Singhbhum region. Saraikela Chhau is an energetic dance form that evolved from martial art techniques called Parikhanda. The mask is the focal point of Chhau. The clay masks are made on a wooden platform and are kept in the sun. After the mask has dried, it is layered with paper followed by a layer of cotton and a fine coating of clay. After layering, the eyes and mouth are carved out and then they are once again kept out in the sun to dry. In Seraikela, the spring festival has a special attraction for Chhau, during which it is widely performed. During the festival, as the day comes to an end, the Chhau dancers welcome the Ratri (night) by performing. Ratri is shown with half-closed eyes. Based on the Ratri sutra of the Rig Veda, the dance shows serene scenes.

Seraikela Chhau owes its repertoire to Bijoy Pratap. He was one of the great choreographers of the Chhau dance. After him Aditya Pratap and his sons carried on this tradition. Chhau is mainly performed by male dancers. In Seraikela Chhau, the music is mostly background music, as no words are spoken. The tunes used in many performances are the tunes of Hindustani music.