by Kanta Joshi
On 12th of October, a day before Karwa Chauth, Gulmohar Club and Sr. Citizen Forum presented Chhau dances of Sarai Kela for all residents of Gulmohar Park and nearby colonies.
The purpose was to provide an evening of fun and entertainment to all ladies, to get mehndi alongwith their spouses and enjoy.
Chhau dance, a semi classical dance form with martial and folk tradition is found in three styles named after their location Purulia chhau of West Bengal, the Seraikella Chhau of Jharkhand and Mayurbhanj Chhau of Odisha Seraikella chhau dance is performed by male dancers from families of traditional artists who are trained under Guru or Ustad. Chhau means Chhaya mask or shadow. Chhauis performed wearing masks and heavily decorated traditional dresses and head gears. It used to be patronized by royal families. The theme of dances are taken mostly from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The function stared with welcome address by cultural convenor of Gulmohar Club Ms. Neerupama Verma. She gave a brief introduction of Chhau Dances particularly Seraikella from Jharkhand and also introduced the performers and artists who play dhole (drum ) and three dancers.
The dance started with the beating of the drum beautifully and rhythmically by the drummers. It was a call for the audience that the performance is going to start. The dancers presented two events. Kansbadha and Bakasurbadha. In both presentations Krishna was a prominent performer though both the warriors were as good as him in their role.
In Chhau there is no dialogue or song, only drum beats, artists with their masks, their body movements present the whole act. But it was so beautiful,mesmerizing, unique, lively, awesome and magical. Krisha when sitting on the floor was so cute and adorable with his mask on. Only from neck movements he has given the expression that a small child coaxes the audience for their attention, love and affection. In another moment playing with his flute it seemed he was enjoying music and entertaining listeners and in another moment he was an aggressive warrior with all his martial art expertise jumping in the air vigorously monopolizing the opponent and in the end winning. It was an excellent performance All the performers were too good. Mrs Neerupama Verma appreciated all the artists for their beautiful performance. Mr. Y Sahay thanked the artists and audience.
