SPICMACAY program: Purulia Chhau Dance

Chau dance is a genre of Indian tribal martial dance popular in the Indian states of Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Based on the places of its origin and development, it is called Seraikella Chhau, Mayubhanj Chhau and Purulia Chhau. Chau is associated with the Chait Parab that is celebrated in the festive spaces of local Shiva temples in Purulia around April/May every year.  A variety of drums accompany the music ensemble including dhol, dhumsa and kharka. Colorful masks are used to depict various characters. This time, they shall be presenting the story Mahishasura Mardini.