Events & Activities
Surendranath Centenary School witnessed the vibrant tradition of Purulia Chhau on 28th April 2026 as the school hosted a special performance at the Vidyasagar Auditorium under the aegis of SPIC MACAY. The programme featured internationally acclaimed Chhau artist Shri Chinibas Mahato and his troupe from the Sitalpur Ganesh Chhau Nritya Party, Purulia. Shri Mahato, an ICCR-empanelled artist from the Baghmundi region—the cultural heartland of Chhau—presented the mythological dance drama Mahisasur Badh, based on the Shiva Purana. The performance explored the timeless theme of the triumph of good over evil, symbolising the restoration of dharma. The presentation opened with traditional invocation rituals, followed by sequences marked by striking masks, vigorous martial movements, and expressive storytelling. The intensity and artistry of the troupe left the students spellbound, offering them a direct experience of one of Indias oldest folk traditions. Addressing the students, Shri Mahato explained that Chhau is not merely a dance but a martial art form rooted in the folk traditions of eastern India. Each movement, each mask has meaning. Chhau teaches discipline, stamina, and storytelling. Through it, we keep our epics alive, he said, while also demonstrating how masks convey emotion through controlled body language. The programme concluded with an interactive session where students enquired about mask-making, training methods, and the physical demands of Chhau. The troupes energy and artistry left a lasting impact, fostering appreciation for Indias folk traditions among young learners. The event was highly appreciated by all present. Madam Principal Samita Sinha remarked, We are grateful to SPIC MACAY for bringing this extraordinary tradition to SCS. Such programmes play a vital role in connecting students with Indias cultural roots, fostering aesthetic appreciation, and promoting holistic learning beyond the classroom.
