Chhau and Baul performances to add a traditional flair to Durga Puja in Mumbai

Mahishasur is back in demand This is the season for the demon to dress up in pomp and be put on display at least for the key days before the Goddess deigns to end him Even as Durga Puja pandals get ready for the welcome something new stirs in the city Hosted by VIBGYOR photography collective the troupe of 15 dancers from the Hara Gauri Chhau Nritya Dal will bring to Mumbai the art form of Chhau from the plains of PuruliaA dancer performs during the show in JuneldquoMany in Mumbai Bengalis and otherwise have heard of Chhau as an art form However not many realise that it is more than a simple dance form It is a theatrical performance in itselfrdquo explains Indranil Mukherjee photographer and founder of the collectiveAfter documenting their life and performance in Purulia starting 2020 Mukherjee invited the troupe to the city for a oneoff performance in June Their return for the festive season is a throwback to the old Pujo traditionsA UNESCOcertified heritage art form Chhau evolved from the martial art forms of Eastern India and developed into three major styles mdash Purulia Chhau Seraikella Chhau and Mayurbhanj Chhau ldquoA defining factor of these performances is that there are no dialogues or vocal songs I believe it is one reason why they are able to cut across cultural and linguistic linesrdquo the photographer addsA performance from PuruliaEach performance is called a Porbo an episode and is performed in Palas chapters These theatrical retellings of myths and legends are often performed during festive occasions They were a common presence across Pujo pandals across Kolkata in the past With changing times though the performances took a backseat to maximalist decorationsFor the performers in the villages of Purulia though this slow decay threatens their entire lifestyle It is not just income but an art ecosystem ldquoFrom the making of the masks and these heavy costumes to performers who are trained by knowledge passed down from generations even to the transport of the material and their organisation there are villages centred on this ecosystemrdquo the photographer explainsThe performances typically depict folk tales and mythologiesThis is why the performances for five days across six pandals in the city feels like a breath of fresh air for these performers Arriving in the city on September 24 the troupe will travel to performances at pandals across Ulwe New Panvel Mira Road Dombivli and Borivli over the key days of Pujo Like any theatrical company the troupe has also improved their set by adding the folk tradition of Baul to the mix ldquoThey are accompanied by Tapan Baul a nomadic singer who often wanders across the regionrdquo says Mukherjee This folk music will fill the space between the PalasldquoThe idea is to emphasise the beauty of the art form of Chhau and the need to preserve it for a future generation It is a chance for the younger generation in the city to discover its magicrdquo Mukherjee concludesFrom September 27 till October 1 Panchami to DashamiLog on to igvibgyorCatch them hereOn September 27 730 pmAT Ulwe Bengali Welfare Trust St Wilfred School Ground UlweON September 28 12 pm Special Baul performanceAT Sharad Parivar Bengali Association Mira RoadON September 28 8 pmAT Milantirtha Bengali Socio Cultural Club New PanvelON September 29 1230 pmAT Probashee Bengali Association Palava City DombivliON September 29 8 pmAT Bandhan Cultural Association Panchmukhi Road Prem Nagar Mira RoadON September 30 8 pmAT NRI Seawoods Durgotsav SeawoodsON October 1 730 pmAT Sanskriti Sarbojanin Durgotsav Borivli East