In an announcement that will surely delight the people of Odisha, the Union Ministry of Culture has confirmed the inclusion of three local traditions in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Manabasa Gurubara, Chhau dance, and Ravana Chhaya have all been included in the revised list.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took to twitter to thank PM Modi and Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel for adding these unique Odia traditions to the list. “The decision will help present the unique, historic, and culture of the state on the international platform. I thank PM Narendra Modi & Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel for their historic decision,” tweeted Pradhan.
Manabasa Gurubara is a tradition celebrated on Thursdays in the month of Margasira where Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. It is believed that the goddess visits every household and removes all the pain and sorrow.
Chhau dance is a semi-classical dance form aimed at portraying folk, mock war, and tribal stories. It is said to have originated from the Mayurbhanj district and constitutes an integral part of celebrations during Chaitra Parva and Durga Puja. Masks are an essential part of this dance as it enables the performers to express the essence of the character.
Meanwhile, Ravana Chhaya is a form of shadow puppetry. These performances are held at night and the shadows of the puppets are projected onto a white curtain against the light of an oil lamp.
The National ICH List aims to recognize the diversity of Indian culture embedded in its intangible heritage.