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Seraikella Chhau: By Acharya Chhau Nrutya BichitraLok Gatha serves as a platform dedicated to promoting and preserving tribal and folk traditions and rituals. This year, we present Seraikella Chhau by Acharya Chhau Nrutya Bichitra.
Seraikella Chhau is a prominent dance form of Jharkhand, rooted in the Singhbhum Dynasty and developed by the warrior community, Paikas. The arrival of Odia people in the region in the 16th century introduced influences like Gotipua, a traditional dance form in Odisha, shaping its evolution. Drawing inspiration from nature, daily life and animals, it remains a community art central to Chaitra Parva rituals. Originating from indigenous dance and martial traditions, Seraikella Chhau formed a distinct movement vocabulary and diverse themes folk, mythological and abstract. Its signature feature is the stylised mask. Along with Mayurbhanj and Purulia forms, Chhau was inscribed in 2010 as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Acharya Chhau Nrutya Bichitra (ACNB), founded by Lingaraj Acharya in Seraikella (Jharkhand) and later in Delhi, is a leading institute for Seraikella Chhau. Acharya was among the last gurus of the Purtosahi Akhada, one of Seraikella’s eight traditional schools. ACNB artistes have represented India across major international festivals through the ICCR and independent tours. Several gurus and artistes have been honoured with Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi awards among other accolades. A documentary film has been made on ACNB artistes with the support of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. The institute houses a library, museum and artiste hostel in Seraikella.
The presentation will include the following items:
- Jatra Ghat - A devotional musical invocation marking the start of a Seraikella Chhau performance with rhythmic drumbeats and prayerful stillness.
- Ratri (Night) - A poetic depiction of night as a protective goddess, blending Vedic imagery with serene choreography and celestial motifs.
- Radha Krishna - A tender portrayal of Radha and Krishna’s eternal love, centred around the symbolic exchange of the flute.
- Kach-O-Debjani - A dramatic Mahabharata tale of Kacha’s quest for immortality and Devjani’s tragic, unrequited love.
- Chandrabhaga - The tragic tale of a maiden pursued by the Sun god, ending in her plunge into the ocean.
- Musicians: Shashadhar Acharya (dhol), Siddharth Dalbehera (flute), Gopal Dayal (shehnai), Ranjit Kumar Acharya (nagada) & Sapan Kumar Acharya (dhol)
- Dancers: Sukant Kumar Acharya, Satish Kumar Modhak, Bishwanath Kumbhakar, Rajesh Kumar Gope, Shubham Acharya, Chandranarayana Mohanty, Udit Pratap Singhdeo & Govind Mahato
An NCPA Presentation
Age Limit: 6+
Late entry will not be permitted.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
National Centre for the Performing Arts, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021. INDIA , Mumbai, India 400021, Maharashtra, India
Tickets
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