Seraikela Chhau – Seraikela Chhau, nurtured under the patronage of Maharaja Aditya Pratap Singh Deo, Kumar Bijoy Pratap Singh Deo, and Rajkumar Suddhendra Narayan Singh Deo, follows the guiding principles of Natyashastra and blends martial precision with semi-classical grace. Performed with small, expressive masks depicting Navrasas, it portrays divine and mythic characters, sustained today by a vibrant community of practitioners based in Seraikela Kharsawan of Jharkhand.
Manbhum Chhau – Manbhum Chhau, also known as Purulia Chhau in West Bengal, features large masks, vibrant costumes, and high-energy acrobatics that depict episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and local legends. With expressions carried through dynamic movement, it remains a bold living heritage. The magnificent masks of Manbhum Chhau, crafted by artists of Charida village, bring each character—gods, demons, heroes—to life. This 150-year-old craft tradition, which began under the patronage of King Madan Mohan Singh Deo of Baghmundi, continues today, blending devotion, artistry, and identity.
Mayurbhanj Chhau – Mayurbhanj Chhau Dance is a traditional martial dance–drama from Odisha, performed without masks, allowing dancers to convey emotions through expressive faces along with vigorous, athletic movements. It blends martial techniques, acrobatics, and folk traditions to depict themes from mythology, nature, and everyday life. A key form is Rookmar Nacha (also known as Pharikhanda Khele), a dynamic sword-and-shield mock combat highlighting attack and defence, bravery, and discipline. Rooted in the aesthetic principles of the Natyashastra, Mayurbhanj Chhau integrates Angika Bhava (bodily expression), Sattvika Bhava (inner emotion), and Aharya Bhava (costume, makeup, and props), with character-wise makeup enhancing dramatic impact. Its distinctly martial music, led by powerful drum rhythms—especially the deep, resonant kettle-drum—energises and drives the dancers’ movements.
Kharsawan Chhau – Closely aligned with the painted-body aesthetic of Mayurbhanj, Kharsawan Chhau is deeply rooted in tribal traditions. Performed without masks, it relies on expressive facial work, vivid body paint, and movements drawn from hunting, farming, and ritual life. Raw, earthy, and community-centered, this powerful form continues to thrive as a living heritage of Jharkhand.
Mayurbhanj and Kharsawan Chhau are characterized by powerful, maskless styles, where intricate body and facial paintings replace masks to convey character and emotion. Here, the painted body itself becomes the costume, transforming the dancer into the living image of the narrative.
The traditional instruments used during Chhau performance include Dhol, Dhamsa, Charchari, Tikra, Nagra, Mahuri, Sanai and flute. Musical instruments are played along with dances depicting different moods and moments. Characterisation is also done with the help of music. There are different music overtures for Arjuna, Ramachandra, Lord Shiva and different other characters.
Movement and footwork in the four styles of Chhau show clear stylistic differences: Manbhum Chhau is vigorous and grounded, with strong stamping steps and wide stances that emphasise raw martial energy; Seraikela Chhau uses subtle, controlled, and gliding footwork with refined, symbolic movements; Mayurbhanj Chhau is athletic and expansive, featuring energetic jumps, swift turns, and clearly rhythmic steps supported by expressive facial movement; while Kharsawan Chhau combines sharp turns, quick footwork, and structured patterns, maintaining a balance between martial strength and graceful control.
Themes of Chhau dance are mainly based on epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata and Hindu Puranas. Mahishasur Mardini remains an all-time favourite play for Chhau dancers. Themes were also sourced from mythological stories like Narasimha Avatar, Sabitri Satyaban, Shivapurana, Hiranyakashipu and Sri Krishna.Apart from historical themes there are Palas with daily life chores as well such as Keuto Kautoni, Chashi Muliya, Dhwaja Puja and much more. Nowadays plays are also composed on historical and contemporary themes.
Chhau mask traditions of India represent a rich legacy of folk craftsmanship rooted in regional history and ritual. While Manbhum and Seraikela Chhau are known for their distinctive mask traditions, Mayurbhanj and Kharsawan Chhau are defined by powerful maskless forms, where intricate facial and body paintings replace masks to express character and emotion. In these traditions, the painted body itself becomes the costume, transforming the performer into a living embodiment of the narrative.
