Chhau Dance

Chhau dance is a traditional dance popular in Indian states of Orissa, West Bengal and Jharkhand. As to the place of origin there are three major styles of this dance - Seraikella, Purulia and Mayurbhanj. Dancers performing first two styles wear masks. Chhau dance includes themes from classical Indian epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. Elements of local folklore, religious texts called Puranas and even some abstract themes exist too. There are only male dancers.

This dance is usually performed at one of local festivals. The most famous one is the spring festival Chaitra Parva. Music that accompanies the Chhau dance includes mohuri (reed pipes), shehnai (type of conical oboe) and different drums.