Three Seraikela artists honoured with fellowship by Ministry of Culture for Chhau Dance Excellence

Tapan Patnaik, Paresh Prasad Parit receive senior fellowships, Sumit Mohapatra awarded junior fellowship.

Mail News Service

Seraikela, Jan 22: In a proud moment for the district, three talented artists have been selected for prestigious fellowships by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, to carry out in-depth studies in the traditional art form of Chhau dance.

Young artist Sumit Kumar Mohapatra has been awarded the junior fellowship for his expertise in making Seraikela Chhau masks, an integral part of the Chhau dance tradition. Known for his exceptional craftsmanship, Mohapatra has trained under the guidance of Guru Sushant Mohapatra at Kala Diksha, Sangeet Natak Academy, New Delhi. His work has earned widespread recognition, with his masks even being presented to dignitaries, including the President and Prime Minister.

“I am honoured to receive this fellowship and continue the legacy of my family in making Chhau masks,” Mohapatra said, expressing his joy and commitment to furthering the art form.

In addition to Mohapatra, two senior Chhau dance gurus, Tapan Patnaik and Paresh Prasad Parit, have been selected for senior fellowships. Guru Tapan Patnaik, a former Director of the State Chhau Nritya Kala Kendra in Seraikela, has been recognized for his mastery in the Seraikela style of Chhau dance. Guru Paresh Prasad Parit, hailing from Jamdih village in Neemdih block, has been honoured for his expertise in the Manbhum (Purulia) style of Chhau.

Both Patnaik and Parit are well-respected figures in the Chhau dance community, having performed extensively across India and abroad. Their selection for the senior fellowship is a testament to their dedication and contribution to the preservation and promotion of this ancient dance form.

The fellowships are awarded annually by the Ministry of Culture and this year’s selection has filled the local artistic community with pride and enthusiasm.