Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture, in association with the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and the Department of Performing Arts, Alliance University, along with IMACO and Banglanatak, organized a two-day Chhau Dance Performance and Workshop. The programme was supported through the CSR initiatives of Axis Bank and Dorf Ketal Chemicals India.
Inaugural Session
The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp.
Dr. Sruthi Chandrasekharan, Head of the Department of Performing Arts, delivered the welcome address.
The introductory remarks and keynote address were delivered by Prof. A. M. Sreedharan, Director, Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems. He highlighted the critical role of performing arts not only as artistic expressions but also as carriers of traditional knowledge systems intrinsic to India’s cultural heritage.
Prof. Pushpalatha, UNESCO Chair Holder, University of Calicut, emphasized the importance of living heritage and its conservation, reflecting UNESCO’s global commitment to safeguarding traditional practices.
Dr. V. Jayarajan, Chairman of Folkland and Secretary General of ICCN, stressed the significance of protecting Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), especially in the context of the 20th anniversary of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention on Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Dr. Zirajuddin, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Sree Narayana Guru Open University, Kollam, also addressed the gathering, appreciating the collaborative effort behind the programme.
Workshops and Performances
Following the inaugural session, eminent artistes initiated a hands-on workshop. Three major Chhau dance traditions, Seraikela Chhau, Kharsawan Chhau, and Manbhum Chhau, were demonstrated. Students and participants were introduced to core techniques, choreography patterns, martial elements, and the distinctive masks and movements that define each style.
Exhibitions
An exhibition featuring indigenous art traditions was also arranged on the picturesque Alliance University campus.
▶ The displays included:
▶ Patachitra traditional painting
▶ Kantha embroidery
▶ Dokra metal craft
▶ Mayurbhanj embroidery traditions
These exhibits attracted hundreds of students, offering them a glimpse into India’s diverse folk craftsmanship.
Participating Performers
The performances and workshops were led by a distinguished group of artistes, including:
Yudhisthir Mahato, Amit Kumar Sahu, Suraj Kumbhkakar, Shivnath Shankh, Lambad Mahata, Shukdeb Mahata, Karamchand Mahata, Chaitau Majhi, Nishikant Majhi, Bishwawath Mahata, Ganeshch Mahata, Surendra Kalindi, Dipak Kumar Mahata, Srikanta Mahata, Samir Kalindi, Jaladhar Mahata, Manorama Chitrikar, Ajija Sultana, Mamta Kumari, Bishkeshwaw Kumhar, Mangal Kumhar, Sowtarh Kumhar, Rameshwar Sardar, Subharh Kumhar, Sukhdeb Kumhar, Rajesh Kumhar, Pintu Kumhar, Budhu Kumhar, Ganesh Sardar, Lal Singh Sardar, Dularam Sardar, Leela Kumhar, Kanta Machua, Sawan Khan, Anil Kumar, Ranjit Rana, Duryedhen Kumhar, Gopobandhu Tanti, Guruprasad Baskey, Ajay Kumar Sahu, Puja Kumbhakar, Sima Kumbhakar, Manisha Kumbhakar, Urvashi Palhau, Anish Hembram, Karina Numbhakar, Buru Bijay Kumar Sahu, Ayon Joardar, and compered by Meena Micka, and Sneha Bhathalays.
Second Day: Community Outreach Programme
On the second day, the programme extended beyond the university and was hosted at Samvedya Centre for Arts, Chickbelendur Village, Varthur Hobli, Bengaluru. The event witnessed an enthusiastic turnout from villagers, students, and local dancers. For the community, it was a memorable occasion as this marked the first-ever Chhau dance programme in the village. The vibrant performances captivated the audience and fostered a deep interest in traditional performing arts, aligning with the broader mission of disseminating and preserving living cultural heritage.