CHHAU DANCE: A SOCIO-CULTURAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC HERITAGE OF EASTERN INDIA

UNESCO declared that, Chhau dance is a tradition from eastern India that enacts episodes from epics including the Mahabharata and Ramayana, local folklore and abstract themes.Its three distinct styles hail from the regions of Seraikella, Purulia and Mayurbhanj, the first two using masks.Chhau has its direct effect in the Indian Classical Dance form.It is codified that the Chhau dance is a unique Indian social identification which can be considered as a semi classical dance form of India.The dance form has a rich history and cultural significance.Chau dance is characterized by its vibrant costumes, elaborate masks, and energetic movements.Chhau is a dance style originating from the regions of Eastern Region of Indian territory.It may have been derived from the Sanskrit word Chya (meaning 'shadow, image' or 'mask').This dance form is predominantly seen in the states of Odisha, West Bengal and Jharkhand.The dance type has extended its wings from Odisha only.From the mythological point of view it collaborates with the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.The study envisaged to explore traditional arts and culture; to visualize its economic aspects; and to restore it as a cultural heritage of India.The socio-cultural and socio-economical aspects should have been more and more counteracted, so that people may not suffer from economic loss.The present sequel was conducted in the Chorida Village of Purulia District of West Bengal: A multi ethnic village where Chhau dance is the main purpose of their economic benefit.The cost benefit of the dance practice and programs encourage their per capita income generations, strengthen socio-economic backbone along with sociocultural enhancement to maintain cultural sustainability with the heritage fitness of the Eastern Indian society.