Chhau Dance of Mayurbhanj
C hhau Dance of Mayurbhanj was subsequently adopted by the relatives of Maharajas in a sophisticated style to serve the purpose of elites. The rife-torn lives of Maharajas could get solace from this dance, which was mostly performed at the time of 'Chaitra Parva', a festival of the ex-states of Mayurbhanj, Kharsuan and Sareikala being patronised by the rulers. A number of ex-ruler states before their merger in Orissa state were practising Chhau dance and some prominent among them are: Chhau of Baripada in Mayurbhanj, Asanpal in Keonjhar, Nilgiri in Balasore, Arnapal in Bhadrak, Bonei in Sundargarh, Talcher in Angul, Balaramprasad in Dhenkanal, Bhubaneswar in Khurda district. Traditional Mayurbhanj Chhau has lived through Uttarsahi and Dakshinsahi since time immemorial. Dancers of both these segments worshipped Bhairava, an aspect of angry mood of Lord Shiva and perform during Chaitra festival, every year which also signifies the Oriya new year that is April...