Seraikela Chhau Festival 2026: Jharkhand CM invited, cultural extravaganza set for April 11–13

Mail News Service

Seraikela: Deputy Commissioner Nitish Kumar Singh on Friday paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Hemant Soren at the Jharkhand Secretariat, extending a formal invitation to attend the three-day State Chaitra Parv-cum-Chhau Festival 2026. The festival is scheduled to be held from April 11 to April 13 at Birsa Munda Stadium, Seraikela.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner briefed the Chief Minister on the preparations underway for the grand cultural event. The festival will witness the presence of distinguished guests, including State Minister Sudivya Kumar (Higher & Technical Education, Tourism, Art & Culture, Sports & Youth Affairs) and Minister Deepak Birua (Revenue, Registration & Land Reforms, and Transport), who will attend as special invitees.

To enhance outreach and encourage local talent, a video/reels-making competition has also been announced under the guidance of the district administration in collaboration with the State Chhau Kala Kendra, Seraikela. Participants can submit their entries via email by April 16, 2026. Winners will be awarded cash prizes of  Rs 6,000,  Rs 5,000, and  Rs 4,000 for first, second, and third positions respectively.

The festival will commence on April 11 with traditional rituals and ceremonial stage worship, followed by performances from third-place winners of the rural Chhau dance competition across Seraikela, Kharsawan, and Manbhum styles.

Indian Idol fame Priyanshu Dutta will headline the opening evening with popular Bollywood renditions.

On April 12, second-place winners from the three Chhau styles will take the stage, alongside a musical performance by renowned singer Sona Mohapatra.

The concluding day, April 13, will feature performances by winning Chhau troupes, presentations by local cultural institutions, and artists from the State Chhau Dance Kala Kendra. The festival will culminate with a traditional night vigil, preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Deputy Commissioner Nitish Kumar Singh has appealed to the public and participants to actively contribute to making the festival a grand success.