The Chhau Festival is one of eastern India’s most vibrant celebrations of tribal identity, artistry and mythic storytelling. Rooted in the indigenous cultures of Mayurbhanj, the three-day event brings together dancers, musicians and village communities in a dramatic fusion of martial movement, masked performance and age-old ritual. Traditionally held to mark the end of winter and the renewal of life, Chhau originated as a warrior’s dance, its powerful leaps and acrobatic spins symbolising the eternal struggle between good and evil.
Today, the festival is a joyous public gathering where Santal, Munda, Ho and other Mayurbhanj tribal groups participate as performers, musicians, mask-makers and custodians of local lore. Drummers beat out hypnotic rhythms on the dhol, troupes enact episodes from the epics, and hand-painted masks embody gods, demons, animals and ancestral heroes. Food stalls, craft sellers and families visiting from surrounding villages give the grounds the atmosphere of a lively fair.
Visitors are welcome to observe with sensitivity, guided by local experts who explain the meaning behind each sequence—whether it’s the blessing of the drums, the invocation of a forest deity, or a mythic duel performed by masked dancers. At Belgadia Palace, the Chhau Festival is celebrated annually; in 2026 it will take place from 29–31 January, offering travellers an immersive glimpse into the cultural heartbeat of Mayurbhanj.
