Champai inaugurates Chhau festival, assures preservation of heritage

Mail News Service

Saraikela, July 29: The Department of Tourism, Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs of the Jharkhand government organized a three-day Chhau Dance event at the Audrey House in Ranchi to assess the current state of the traditional art form, discuss its classical elements and plan this pristine dance form’s  preservation and propagation.

The event was inaugurated by Jharkhand Minister for Transport and Tribal Welfare Champai Soren. Minister Hafizul Hassan, Padma Shri Guru Shashadhar Acharya, Padma Shri Madhu Mansuri and Padma Shri Mukund Nayak were also present during the conference and performances.

Minister Champai Soren, during his observations stated, “Chhau Dance is the mother of dance arts and has earned recognition not only in the country but also internationally. The state government should formally recognize this dance as a classical art form of Jharkhand.”

 He suggested the establishment of a state-level Chhau Academy in Saraikela to promote and nurture this dance heritage.

In his address, Minister Hafizul Hasan also announced plans for establishing a Chhau Academy in collaboration with artistes to preserve and promote Chhau dance. “Chhau is a world-renowned traditional dance form and a matter of pride for Jharkhand state. Hence, appropriate steps will be taken to support its growth, development, and the artistes associated with Chhau dance forms.”  Padma Shri Guru Shashadhar Acharya, while coordinating the event, shared detailed information about the origin, history, and classical aspects of Saraikela’s Chhau dance. Ranjit Acharya, the assistant director of Chhau Nritya, also provided insights on Chhau Nritya.