Seraikela: The grand finale of the three-day Maithon Fair and Cultural Festival concluded on a high note, with the Kharsawan-style Chhau dance emerging as the highlight of the evening. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Maithon Dam, the festival was a joint initiative by the Jharkhand Department of Tourism, The Times of India, and the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC).
A Spellbinding Performance
Artists from the Kharsawan Chhau Nritya Kala Kendra captivated the thousands in attendance with powerful renditions of traditional themes. The troupe presented:
- “Shikari” (The Hunter): A high-energy performance depicting the grace and intensity of the hunt.
- “Maya Bandhan”: A soulful narrative piece that left the audience spellbound.
A Pan-Indian Cultural Extravaganza
While the Chhau dance was the local favourite, the final day celebrated India’s diverse folk traditions. The stage featured:
- Baul Music: Spiritual and soulful folk melodies from West Bengal.
- Lavani Dance: The rhythmic and energetic folk tradition of Maharashtra.
- Chhau Dance: Representing the soul of Jharkhand’s cultural heritage.
Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan, attending as the chief guest, lauded the performers for their role in preserving the state’s rich artistic legacy.
Meet the Artists
The 14-member Kharsawan troupe performed under the expert guidance of Guru Md. Dildar and Basant Kumar Gantayat. The energetic presentation featured a talented lineup of performers, including:
Kanto Machhua, Sudip Kumar Ghodei, Nitya Shankar Nanda, Dulal Kalindi, Suraj Hembrom, Shankar Behera, Laxman Bansingh, Gomia Gagrai, Angel Keshari, Chandni Hembrom, Soni Ravidas, and Suman Kumari.
