Chhau Dance

History Chhau Dance

Chhau Mayurbhanj has a great heritage. Enlightened kings like Maharaja Shree Ram Chandra Bhanjdev and Pratap Chandra Bhanjdev of Mayurbhanj made one of the builders of modern Orissa famous composed “war-dance” and in 1912 presented them in honor of George V, British Emperor in Calcutta, who got it behind the beauty and glory of Mayurbhanj Chhau, astonished and praised by the press and elite. People, tribes of tribal, martial, traditional, classical art have been woven in the grand mosaic of Mayurbhanj Chhau. In theory, the six great epics attract a lot from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the people and tribal elements. Dance has its own style of music that excites the soul. The orchestra is usually composed of “Mohri”, “Chad-Chadi”, and “Dhol“, “Dhumsa” etc. and with some time to bring out vocal music. The grammar of Mayurbhanj Chhau includes six forty or hat (basic steps) and 36 ffil (jumping population). These forty and euphistas are said to be the activities of rural households, animal behavior, and birds and the work of war. The list of Mayurbhanj’s performances consumes more than 200 dance objects in number, which is rarely found in any other dance form of the world. Some of them have been lost in anonymity with the passage of time, the only items are Dandi, Mahadev, Sabar Tokka, Natraj and Jambab etc. Famous group items include Kirat Arjun, Mayasabari, Tadia Krishna, Matupuja, Kelukuli, Dhajtala, Banshi Chor, Kailash Leela etc. God is “Bhairab” under the chairmanship of Mayurbhanj Chhau. Mayurbhanj Chha World is now famous. The visual poem is the name of Mayurbhanj Chhau. Set in a style that is free, fast, stormy, and dynamic but yet lyrical.

Languages in Chhau Dance

• Odia
• Hindi
• English
• Bengali

Features of Chhau Dance ?

The Chhau dance is mainly done during the festivals in the region of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Orissa, especially the festival of Chaitra Parva’s spring and in which the entire community participates. Purulia Chhau dance is celebrated during the Sun Festival.

Three types of Chhau Dance

• Seraikella Chhau
• Purulia Chhau
• Mayurbhanj Chhau

Nearest Visiting places from Chhau Dance

Khiching Temple - It is located in Khiching, Odisha, India and the largest temple of Kiching and is dedicated to Goddess Kichakeswari, the family goddess of the ruling chiefs of Mayurbhanj.

Kichakagarh Fort - It is located in khiching which is almost 120Km from baripada and 60 km from keonjhar. It is one of the oldest Fort in Mayurbhanj.

Jubilee Library - It is located in Baripada, Odisha, India. It is one of the oldest book library of Baripada.

Jwalamukhi Temple - It is located in baripada, mayurbhanj and this Temple was famous in Baripada for instalation of an automated gun.

Jaranda falls - It is located near Simlipal National Park, Baripada, India and it is one of the biggest waterfall in simlipal forest.

Devakunda Waterfall - This place is a fantastic place to have a small picnic and have a small temple which makes the place a complete holiday place for enjoyment.

Maa Ambika Temple - It is located in Baripada, Odisha, India. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Ambika and enjoys a hill top location, therefore one can also witness the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Sri Jagannath Temple - It is located in Baripada, Odisha, India. This temple is known as second Shree khetra of Odisha. Lord Jagannath, lord balavadra and goddess maa subhadra worship here.

Kichakeswari Temple - It is located in Khiching, Baripada, India. It is famous for its art on stone this is one of the oldest temple in mayurbhanj.

Shimlipal National Park - It is located in Mayurbhanj District, Baripada, Odisha and Similipal is mainly known for tiger reserve point in northern part of Odisha.

Nearest Petrol Pump near by Chhau Dance

•  Essar Petrol Pump

SH 49; Odisha 757037; India
10.6 KM distance

• HP PETROL PUMP - B D SAHU & SONS

HPC Dealer Karanjia Dist.; Bhubaneshwar; Odisha 757037; India
12.7 KM distance

• Petrol Pump

Jashipur; Odisha; India
16.6 KM distance

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation near by Chhau Dance

• Ganesh Bhavan - Baripada Court Ganesh Bhavan Hanuman Bazar, Baripada 757001, India
• Simlipal Khairi Resort - Bangriposi, Baripada, India
• Hotel Prince - Hanuman Temple, In front of SBI, Near Govt Bus Stand, Keonjhar 758001, India
• Hotel Kashvi International - Madhapur N H - 215, Keonjhar 758001, India
• Rajanigandha Guest - Haat Chali Road, Mahulia 832304, India
• Arpita Beach Resort - Sonapur Road, Chandipur 756025, India
• International Tourism Resort - Chandipur Beach Road, Chandipur 756025, India
• Hotel Shubham - Chandipur, Chandipur 756025, India
• Hotel Barjorjis Banjara - Old Trunk Road, Balasore 756001, India
• Hotel Sand City & Khushi Restaurant - V N Marg | Balasore Federal Bank, Big Mart, Balasore 756001, India

Help Line/Phone Number in Chhau Dance

• Mayurbhanj District Industries Centre - 087639 18078

• Collectorate Mayurbhanj - 06792 252 606

• KAVERI DENTAL CARE - 090781 49706

• Jadipada Up School - 090905 52251

• kaptipada police station - 094384 09267

• Baripada Fire Station - 06792 252 701

• King Air Ambulance Services - 070913 60310

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Location info

Location info: It is located Mayurbhanj district, Pin Code: 757043.

Climate & weather

• Summer - March to May

• Average Minimum Temperature - 36° C

• Average Minimum Temperature - 24° C

• Average Precipitation - 26.6 mm

• Monsoon - June to October

• Average Minimum Temperature - 32° C

• Average Minimum Temperature - 25° C

• Average Precipitation - 202 mm

• Summer - March to May

• Average Minimum Temperature - 28° C

• Average Minimum Temperature - 17° C

• Average Precipitation - 24.75 mm

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Odisha. 4G is reliable in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, and along the Golden Triangle tourist circuit. Coverage may be weaker in remote tribal areas, interior forests, and certain coastal stretches. Most hotels in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Odia thali, temple prasad, and local snacks like chhena poda are regional specialities.

Best time to visit Chhau Dance

Cultural festivals (November–March) offer the best opportunities to see authentic performances. Major dance festivals like Konark Dance Festival and Odissi International Festival showcase the finest performances.

Timings & opening hours

Performance timings vary by event and festival. Major cultural festivals feature scheduled performances usually in the evening (6:00 PM–9:00 PM).

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fees vary by venue and event. Government-organized festivals often have free entry or nominal ticketing. Private performances may have ticket prices ranging from ₹100–₹500.

Duration needed

A typical performance lasts 1–2 hours. Cultural festival attendance may span an entire evening.

Safety tips

Standard safety for evening events applies. Keep valuables secure. Use registered transport for travel to and from performance venues at night.

Things to carry

Light jacket (evenings can be cool in winter), camera (check photography policy at the venue), cash for tickets and refreshments.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (depending on venue). Nearest Railway Station: Bhubaneswar or Puri Railway Station. Nearest Bus Stand: Depends on the venue city.

Things to do at Chhau Dance

Watch a live performance to experience the grace and storytelling of the dance form, attend workshops or demonstrations where available, and learn about the costumes, music, and cultural significance of the dance.

Things to visit & highlights

Cultural venues and auditoriums in Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark. The Odisha Dance Academy and cultural centres offer regular performances. During festivals, temporary stages are set up in temple complexes and public squares.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see Chhau Dance performances? Performances are held at cultural venues in Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark. Major festivals like Konark Dance Festival and state-organised cultural events feature this dance form.

What is the best time to see this dance? The winter festival season (November–March) offers the best opportunities with multiple cultural festivals and special performances.

Can I attend workshops to learn this dance? Some cultural institutions in Bhubaneswar offer workshops and short-term courses in traditional Odisha dance forms for enthusiasts.