Chhau Dance (at Murguma village, Purulia, West Ben - stock photo

Chhau (Mask) Dance at Murguma village, Purulia, West Bengal.From a very early age, Chhau Dance is occupying a significant position in the Dance tradition of West Bengal, India and today it is seen as one of the most popular artistic excellence of Bengal. While the faces of the Chhau Dancers are covered with masks of various mythical characters, the expressions of the form are shown through movements of the hands and feet. Vigorous jumps, hops and other similar energetic moves of the Dancers set the mood of Chhau.Initiated in the Baghmundi area of Purulia district, Chhau Dance is performed in Bengal to celebrate the sun festival. The colorful masks that are used by the Dancers during the performance have a unique artistic appeal.