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Chhau Dance - Tribal Community In India - Purulia

Members of an indigenous community perform Chhau Nach, a semi-classical and martial folk dance, at an event in Ajodhya Hills, West Bengal, India, on January 12, 2026. Chhau dance, originating from eastern India, is known for its acrobatic movements and expressive masked storytelling, with masks depicting divine, demonic, or mythical characters. The performance is accompanied by powerful drums and double-reed instruments. After the event, the performers pack up their dance and musical instruments, drive a small car, and head home to Baghmundi, Purulia, West Bengal. Chhau was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13780083
Date Taken	12 January 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto

Chhau dance semi-classical martial folk dance eastern India West Bengal Jharkhand Odisha acrobatic movements masked storytelling divine characters demonic characters mythical characters bright colors powerful drums double-reed instruments UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage indigenous community Ajodhya Hills Baghmundi Purulia India January 12 2026 Soumyabrata Roy