Kalamandir

The Celluloid Chapter Art Foundation was established on 6 July, 1997, and
was inaugurated by the renowned artist Prakash Kalamandir. It began with a set of specific objectives aimed at the promotion of art and culture. Its mission was to play a role in reviving and nurturing tribal heritage, culture, artifacts and traditions without tampering with their original vibrancy, aesthetic contents and expression. Such a project would be of immense historic value in terms of anthropological interest and research, and can therefore also be considered of being in tune with a nationally relevant agenda. The Foundation with its well-structured plan and programme seeks to create a greater interaction and understanding of tribal traditions, their age-old customs and rituals, their faiths and values, their songs and dances, murals and material arts, their love for nature and zest for life, their ballads and folk lore, all aimed at rediscovering the wealth and national relevance of the rich heritage of tribal tradition.
Thus, the Foundation has, in fact, initiated a process of emotive integration of primitive culture into the national cultural mainstream, while retaining its own distinct grace and beauty. Besides its potential for self-expression amongst individuals, art always becomes a tool for motivating the community as well; and since culture and ethnicity are without doubt the most deeply-rooted elements in the community-based state of Jharkhand, its relevance becomes all the more crucial in this context.

Items performed

Kharsawan Chhou - Having carved a niche for itself on the national and international forum, the chhau dance from the district of Seraikela Kharsawan happens to be one of the items that best identifies Jharkhand. The dance is basically a ritual to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for a bountiful harvest, and is performed during the last four days of the month of Chaitra. The lyrics for this form are based on myths from our epics, and there are frequent references to gods and goddesses like Ma Durga, Mahishasur, Lord Ganesh, and so on. The costumes, in
accordance with the mood of the dance, are showy, brightly coloured, and the decorative masks provide them with a distinct flavour. The rhythmic, harmonious and even aggressive movements are well-synchronized to maintain a sense of continuity, be it in a solo, a duet, or a group dance. The dance-dramas in this genre consist of a keenly creative style with carefully interwoven folk elements, and the choreography is based on a local folk tune called ' jhoonur'. In some of the chhau versions, we can also find elements from Indian classical dances, Odissi in particular, that are added to make the performance even more lively and meaningful. Musical instruments like the dhamsa, mahuri, nagara, mridanga, dhol and khanjare accompany the movements and give them momentum.
Through its grace, smoothness and vibrancy , the chhau also throws light on the diversities of human life and nature. Some of the main themes like the struggle and synergy between nature and mankind, the conflict between good and evil are all so exquisitely depicted, that the audience cannot help but get mesmerized as it watches in wonder.
Makhan Chor:
In this item Krishna is seen stealing makhan (butter), along with his friends,
and is then punished by Yashoda who catches him in the act. Once caught he requests Sudama to release him, and there is merry-making all around.
Chalo Delhi -This item is based on the historic moment when Subhas Chandra Bose made a call to the public to join in the freedom movement.
Chandi Yudh- This is an enactment of the destruction of the demons, Soomh & Nisoombh, by the divine powers of Ma Durga.
Sabar- Here we see tribal hunters and their women-folk rejoicing after a victorious kill.
Padma Vihar -The true love of Radha & Krishna are revealed through this dance.
Holi -This item is a celebration of Holi with Radha, Krishna & several gopikas.

Artists:
Honu Lohar, Vikas Sarangi, Dancar Banra, Kankal Soye, Arjun Banra, Jagmohan Purty, Ram Lohar, Sonu Lohar, Govind Purty, Ruiya Banra, Gomiya Gagrai,Sitaram Ravidas, Mangal Ravidas, Dhirtu Lohar, Kanto Machua, Rishikesh Nand, Basant Barik, Parmanand Nanth (Team Leader/Guru).

Contact:
Kalamandir: The Celluloid Chapter Art Foundation Vill:- Deuridih, Post Kharsawan, Distt- Seraikela- Kharsawan, Jharkhand
Parmanand (Dir.) 09931334876

* Programme subject to change

Venue: NSD Premises Bahawalpur House, Bhagwandas Road, ND-1
Enquiry: 011-23389054 (23389402, 23382821 Ext. 37)