Under the popular museum series ‘Exhibit of the Month’ of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, a traditional object is displayed in the appearance for a whole month. The exhibit for the month of September, 2022 – Ganesha – A Chhau Mask of Folk Community from Purulia, West Bangal, is on display in the indoor exhibition building–Veethi Sankul. The 'exhibit of the month' was inaugurated by Dr. P. K. Mishra, Director, renowned people present on this occasion. This exhibit of the month has been composed by Sudipa Roy, Assistant Keeper.
About the exhibit displayed in the exhibition by Sudipa Roy told that Lord Ganesha is considered as the remover of obstacles and guiding deity in Hindu mythological traditions. Therefore, every auspicious activity starts with praying and provoking Lord Ganesha. The Chhau folk dance tradition of Purulia, West Bengal is also not an exception of the same. Purulia Chhau is a kind of dance drama which is known for infusing a thrill and energy amongst audiences through its gorgeous masks, music and gestures.
Chhau dance is a tradition from eastern India that enacts episodes from epics including Ramayana, Mahabharata, Local folklore and Hindu mythological legends specially based on Devi Mahatmya to convey the message of victory of good over evil. Therefore, usually these auspicious performances begin with a prayer of Lord Ganesha. The present exhibit is a popular mask of Lord Ganesha used in Purulia Chhau. Chhau dance is the expression of state of mind through body gesture. War-like body movements, fast but rhythmic folk tunes, beautifully crafted masks along with huge headgears are the characteristics of Purulia Chhau.
Chhau, a regional martial art dance is practised in the bordering areas of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. The masks associated with the dance are identified as Chhau masks locally known as chhau mukhosh. The word Chhau is derived from the Sanskrit word Chhaya and has three recognized styles - Purulia Chhau from West Bengal, Seraikela Chhau from Jharkhand, and Mayurbhanj Chhau from Odisha. Unlike the other two styles, Odisha Chhau is performed without masks but with facial expressions.