The Chhau Festival was held at Alliance University in Bengaluru on November 8 and 9, 2025, as a celebration of India’s UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage. Organized under the Heritage4Prosperity program, the festival presented the three regional styles of Chhau, namely Seraikela, Kharsawan, and Manbhum, and highlighted their distinctive aesthetics, narratives, and martial foundations. Master practitioners led interactive workshops for students and faculty, offering insights into basic movements, rhythms, and storytelling techniques, while the evening performances brought mythological themes to life through expressive choreography, masks, and music.
Alongside the performances, a handicraft exhibition showcased Patachitra paintings and Kantha embroidery from West Bengal, Dokra metal crafts from Odisha, and appliqué and embroidery traditions from Rajasthan. The exhibition encouraged interaction between artisans and audiences and emphasized the link between traditional knowledge and sustainable livelihoods. Overall, the festival served as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, education, and artistic appreciation, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding India’s living heritage and passing it on to younger generations.
