Purulia Chhau – by West Bengal
Thursday, August 20th, 2015
West Bengal is synonymous with the Goddess Durga and the State is known for its devout and frenzied adoration of the Divine Mother of the Universe characterised as Maa Durga. Teaming up with its most favourite ‘Maa Durga – Mahishasura’ theme, a group of professional artistes from the State presented a riveting Chhau dance today, on day-2 of the West Bengal Youth Parthi Yatra, in Prasanthi Nilayam.
The Chhau is a folk art dance form indigenous to eastern India. This evening’s presentation was Purulia Chhau, one of the three diversified forms of Chhau, which originated in Purulia district of West Bengal.
Rich and colourful with costumes, vibrant, powerful and acrobatic with movements, the Chhau dancers for the evening enthralled the audience today, keeping them on their toes, with ‘Maa Durga’ finally winning a battle over the demon Mahishasura, slaying him.
Dance ‘vernacular’ numbers with an intoxicating percussive musical backdrop added additional fervour to the exultant evening. Musical instruments used were dhol, dhumsa (big drum), pepti (a reeded aerophone) and janjh.
The exciting presentation in essence represented the folk classical continuum of the State, showcasing West Bengal’s very own ‘Durga’ tradition at Bhagawan’s Lotus Feet.
Bhajans continued and the session ended with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
Posted in Prasanthi News |
