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Making Chau Masks
Bengal is deservedly proud of her rich cultural and artistic heritage of which Chhau is a part. Chalchitra Academy in association with Hangla and Creative Instinct presented 'Mukhosher Mukh”, a day-long workshop on the art of Chhau mask making on June 4, 2017, at the Ganges Art Gallery, Kolkata. The workshop was mentored by Taraknath and Bholanath Sutradhar, acclaimed artists who have presented the art of Chhau mask making in other parts of India and overseas.
Chhau is a form of dance that originated in Orissa’s Mayurbhanj district and depicts episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, the Puranas and the Vedas. It is unusual in the variety of masks it uses to represent gods as well as demons. During the performances, the dancers wear decorated masks, each weighing more than fifteen kilograms. Each god or demon is brought to life with a unique mask thus making them instantly identifiable to their audience.
In an attempt to interest people in the metropolis who may not have been exposed to Chhau, the workshop was a platform to not only learn the art of mask making but help spread awareness about the communities that work to popularize this art form which is finally gaining currency the world over. It was attended by participants from a number of professions and across age groups from within the city as well as well as its suburbs. Physics professors to school students, fashion designers to fire dancers, musicians to bankers, all came together, bringing their own interpretations to this fascinating art form. The day ended with an interactive talk by Bijan Kumar Mondal, Curator and Secretary of Gurusaday Museum, who threw light on the programs initiated by the Government in support of traditional arts in Bengal.
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