Unexplored Tribal Dance

                                                                                         

Chhou Naach (Chhou Dance):
There are very little documentations available on traditional art, craft and culture of tribal of Jharkhand, India. This article provides an
overview of one of the most exciting tribal dance "Chhou Naach" which is yet to be explored completely. However, state government of Jharkhand, India organizes various cultural events in the state but Chhou dance is
very rarely done. This is not because people performing Chhou dance are conservative, but because of lack of knowledge or lack of promotion of this traditional dance form. This article is a little effort for the promotion of Traditional Tribal Culture.

Locality:
Chhou dance is found in the tribal areas of Jharkhand and some parts of
Chattisgarh and Orissa states of India. There are no specific evidences
available which describe the actual history behind Chhou dance. Hence,
it is assumed that Chhou dance is one of the advanced dance form of
traditional tribal dance which has developed gradually during the course
of interactions with other neighboring cultures.

Introduction:
"Chhou Naach" is a dance mostly done in open field and in the night.
The dance arena is generally surrounded by fire poles called mashaal for
lighting purpose. However, due to the urbanization in some parts, fire
poles have been replaced by electrical lights. The artists go for a
bath and puja before performing this dance as the characters they play
are of gods. The Chhou dancers use big size colourful decorative masks.
These masks are made of paper mache', light wood and paper. Chhou naach
is a tribal form of "nritya natika" (Dance Drama) where various
characters with Chhou masks play mythological characters. Most of these plays
are based on "Mahabharat" and "Ramayan". This mythological touch in
Chhou dance makes it very spiritual and respectful. The characters of
Chhou dance wear traditions ornaments and dance with weapons. Their cloths
are very colourful. Chhou dance should NOT be misunderstood with other
folk dances of India like Kuchipudi etc. Chhou dance involves lots of
gymnastic actions in the dance sequences and most of the characters are
very aggressive in nature. This dance drama is supported by traditions
nagada(Drums) and flute as background sound and rhythm of dance action
varies with the modulations of drum beats. The audience enjoying Chhou
Naach feels increase in their heart beats.

Unlike other tribal dances, direct contribution from women in Chhou
dance is not visible. This also makes Chhou dance different from other
folk dances of tribes.

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About the author:
This article is written by Mr. Shandilya Ajay Singh, a freelance writer from India who writes as his hobby. The writer belongs to
Jharkhand, India and spent more than 21 years in the woods and valley of Jharkhand. The writer may be directly contacted on
shandilya_a@yahoo.com

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