We might wear a mask, but through our dance, we become the character we are portraying,” he says. While our introduction to the Mayurbhanj Chhau is at Beguna Diha when we see dancers rehearse ...

Its three distinct styles hail from the regions of Seraikella, Purulia and Mayurbhanj, the first two using masks. Chhau dance is intimately connected to regional festivals, notably the spring festival ...