The Chhau dance is mainly performed during festivals in the region of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha, especially the spring festival of Chaitra Parva and in which the whole community participates. The Purulia Chhau dance is celebrated during the Sun festival.
<p>Artistes from Purulia district of West Bengal performs Chhau dance
Masks form an integral part of Chhau dance in Purulia and Seraikella styles. The knowledge of dance, music and mask-making is transmitted orally.
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The dance is performed by male dancers, at night in an open space, called akhada or asar.The themes for these dances include local legends, folklore and episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata and other abstract themes.
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