The stage is set for the Chhau Mahotsav. It is being organised by the State Department of Culture And Tourism at Seraikela and it will be started from April 5. About 40,000 visitors across Jharkhand are expected to participate in it. To spread awareness among the people, a Chhau Rath was inaugurated by Menaka Sardar, MlA from Potka near the Fortune Park Centre Point Hotel on Thursday.
Addressing the media, Vandana Dadel, art and culture secretary, Anil Kumar Singh, director, State art and culture department, Sanjeev Kumar Besra, SDO of Seraikela and secretary, Government Chhau Dance Centre and Chhau guru Tapan Patnaik said that artistes will enthrall the audience with their performance and help promote the dance form in the districts.
“We are all set to make the even a gala affair. Every year we try to do something new because we constantly try to innovate the festival. Chhau Mahotsav raths are already plying on roads in the national capital, State capital and Kolkata. This was to ensure pre-bookings. Though we have not received any bookings yet, we expect that some culture lovers who will be interested to come here and be a part of Chhau Mahotsav,” said Singh.
About a decade ago, an initiative by the local administration in association with the family members of the former king of Seraikela, Aditya Narayan Singhdeo, had led to the commencement of the Chhau festival in the area. The Chhau Mahotsav will also act as a way to promote local products at the Swadeshi Mela also to be held at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Seraikela from April 5. The festival will conclude on April 13.
The department is also offering a package of Rs 14,000 for family (three- four members) and one can get an ideal three night four days package to witness a grand Chhau mahotsav and the sight seeing at Jamshedpur and Ghatshila.