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 November, 2021 - “RATRI” - A Traditional Chhau Mask of Ratri Devi of the mahapatra Community from seraikela Jharkhand, is on display in the indoor exhibition building – Veethi Sankul.
The 'exhibit of the month' was inaugurated by P.K. Mishra Director IGRMS, renowned people present on this occasion. This exhibit of the month had been composed by Mrs. Rashmi Shukla Assistant Keeper and collected by Assistant Curator Soma Kiro.
About the exhibit displayed in the exhibition Rashmi Shukla Assistant Keeper told that Chhau is a traditional mask dance of Seraikela, Jharkhand. In this dance themes related to mythology and nature, local folk tales and stories based on social aspects of life are presented with artistry. Ratri is based on the Ratri Sukta of the Rigveda in which Ratri is described as a goddess and the sister of Usha. As soon as the Sun sets, dancers welcome the ratri and pray to the goddess to escape its fear and for peace and security everywhere. Ratri is depicted with dark blue mask featuring half closed eyes and glittering black saree.
Seraikela Kharsawan, a princely state in the 17th century, is located in the southeast of present-day Jharkhand state where the technique and performance of Chhau was developed by the local Singh Deo dynasty who were both its artist and choreographer.