Chhau dance

• Chhau dance is indigenous to the states of Orissa, West Bengal and Jharkhand. 
• A mask dance, it was originally performed during the tribal harvesting festival. The tradition was continued in Orissa where in the 18th and 19th century, rulers took a keen interest in promoting and developing the dance. 
• It is basically a martial dance and themes include depiction of characters from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Over the years, other themes have been included. There are three recognized styles of this dance form – Seraikella, Purulia and Mayurbhanj. But today it’s the Mayurbhanj style which is more popular.