Seraikella Chhau The Hunter by Nibaran Mahato

Manasa-Art Without Frontiers presented its Omkara Dance Festival & Seminar 2024 curated by Guru Sharon Lowen at the India International Centre, New Delhi May 31-June 1, 2024. The festival highlighted Odissi from Odisha and Delhi and Seraikella Chhau from Jharkhand including disciples of Sharon lowen and those of Padmashri & Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee gurus, Kumkum Mohanty, Ranjana Gauhar and late Gopal Dubey’s Trinetra Chhau Centre.
Seraikella Chhau by 'Trinetra' Chhau Dance Centre, Seraikella, founded by Late Guru Pt. Gopal Dubey, (Padmashree & SNA Awardee)
Seraikella Chhau is one of three genres in contiguous states, traditionally performed during Chaitra Parva. Seraikella Chhau of Jharkhand is performed with masks, as is Purulia Chhau of West Bengal, developed under royal patronage as that of Mayurbhanj, Odisha. In Seraikella, royalty also choreographed and performed alongside dancers of many communities. Seraikella chhau was added to UNESCO’s intangible Heritage of India in 2010 and Chhau has recently been recognized by the ministry of Culture as a classical form of Indian Dance.
Mayur, The Peacock-
A choreographic fantasy of the ecstatic mood of a peacock at the approach of the monsoon when it flies into rapture. We see its pride with every tilt and turn of the head in vain glorious poses, startled gazes, and graceful movements. Tala is the eight beat Kaherwa and melody is based on Raag Megh
Performed by Bijay Sardar
Musicians are Sunil Kr. Dubey - Harmonium, Deoraj Dubey - Flute, Binod Pradhan - Dhol, Baburam Sardar - Nagara