What does "Chhau" mean?

According to Dr. Sudir Karan, “in local tongue, the meaning of the word chhau is clown. However, there is no such word as ‘chhau’ in Odhiya. The word “chhutto” which means deceit in Odhiya, is pronounced as “Chhau” in few regions of Bengal close to Odisha.

In the context of Mayurbhanj Chhau, it is believed that the word ‘Chhau’ has been derived from the word “Chhavni” which means military cantonment. In feudal system, the dances performed at the cantonments have some elements in common with the dance form of Chhau.

Image Source: mid-day

Some people believe that in Seraikella, the word chhau has come from the word “chhaya” which means shadow. Most of the chhau artists support that belief.

In search of the real meaning of the word ‘Chhau’ it is found that in Purulia, it means clown. In some parts of Midnapur, it means having fun. So, an inference can be drawn that in Bengal, the meaning clown has gotten an emphasis.

Image Source: Lonely Planet

As Seraikella dance form is very delightful and elegant in nature, the meaning of the word Chhau is considered as shadow by the local people, as this meaning carries the essence of romanticism which is an important characteristic of this dance form.

Image Source: The Hindu

On the other hand, Mayurbhanj dance form has the elemet of martial arts in it. This is why, in Maayurbhanj, the meaning of Chhau is interpreted as military cantonment.

According to Dr. Ashutosh Bhattacharyya, an expert on folk culture, “I believe that the word has been derived from the Sanskrit word sang (the word is a late Sanskrit) meaning one who dresses himself to represent another character mostly clown. The use of masks to transfer one’s identity to another character is a special feature of the chhau dance.”