93rd Birth Anniversary
Seraikela: On the auspicious occasion of Dol Purnima, the Seraikela Chhau community will gather to honour the legendary Guru Motilal Rath on his 93rd birth anniversary. His son, senior Chhau exponent Rajatendu Rath, will lead the commemorative tributes to a man whose choreography and leadership shaped the modern era of this world-famous dance form.
A Pillar of Seraikela Chhau
Born in 1933 into a traditional Brahmin family, Guru Motilal Rath emerged as a towering figure in the Chhau tradition. While many artists of his era have faded from the public eye, Rath’s legacy remains a cornerstone for performers and connoisseurs alike.
Pioneering Achievements and Firsts
Guru Motilal Rath did more than just perform; he institutionalized the art form. His career was defined by several “firsts” that took Chhau from the royal court to the national stage:
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Kumar Sambhav: Rath was the first to choreograph this widely admired dance, which remains a staple in the Chhau repertoire today.
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Beyond the Palace: From 1952 to 1958, he served as the first Director of Bijay Laxmi Kala Bhavan. This was the first Chhau institution established outside the royal palace, marking a pivotal moment in making the art accessible to the public.
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National Recognition: In 1955, Rath performed at Talkatora Stadium in the presence of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He also graced Rashtrapati Bhavan and earned a bronze trophy for his acclaimed “Navik” (The Boatman) dance.
Mastery and Lineage
Rath’s mastery was the result of rigorous training under the era’s greatest masters:
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Dance Training: He studied under Sourendra Pratap Singh Deo and the legendary Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh Deo.
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Music & Composition: He honed his musical skills under Kalia Charan Acharya (Kalu Brahma).
Historic Performances
Guru Motilal Rath was instrumental in showcasing Chhau to India’s top leadership during the formative years of the Republic:
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1953: Led the first dance troupe at Raj Bhavan, Patna.
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1953: Performed the captivating “Kamdev” dance at Raj Bhavan, Ranchi.
“His entire life was devoted to Chhau. Remembering him is a way of honouring the roots of our tradition,” his family shared ahead of the Dol Purnima observance.
