Chhau Dance Mask
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Splendors of India |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | January 1, 2017 |
| Denomination | Rs. 25 |
| Quantity | 150,000 |
| Perforation | 13¼ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Sh. Sankha Samanta Smt. Alka Sharma |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 3061 Yvert et Tellier IN 2767 Stanley Gibbons IN 3233 |
| Themes | Culture | Greetings | Masks | New Year |
An Artistic Expression of India’s Living Heritage
Among the most colorful and dramatic expressions of India’s folk art is the Chhau dance, a vibrant blend of martial art, storytelling, and dance. Central to its visual grandeur are the Chhau Masks — intricately crafted works of art that bring to life the characters of ancient epics, Puranas, and mythology. These masks, each painted and decorated by hand, transform performers into gods, demons, and heroes, turning the stage into a living canvas of India’s cultural imagination.
Originating in the eastern Indian states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha, Chhau is more than just a dance — it is a celebration of community, faith, and folklore. Performed during festivals such as the Chaitra Parva, the Chhau dance enlivens entire villages with its rhythmic music, dazzling movements, and expressive masks.
The Art of the Chhau Mask
The Chhau Mask is the soul of the performance. Crafted primarily in Purulia (West Bengal), these masks are made using a meticulous process involving clay, paper pulp, and natural colors. Artisans shape the masks with delicate precision, layering the clay and letting each layer dry before applying vibrant pigments and decorations.
Every color, every design element holds meaning — red for valor, green for peace, black for power, and gold for divinity. The exaggerated facial expressions and ornate crowns evoke awe and devotion, while reflecting the artistic heritage passed down through generations.
Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Chhau dance and its masks continue to symbolize India’s living folk traditions, where art, myth, and spirituality blend seamlessly.
Cultural Significance and Symbolism
Beyond performance, the Chhau Mask represents a spiritual transformation. When dancers don the mask, they become the very embodiment of the divine — an incarnation of the gods and heroes they portray. The rhythmic movements, set to traditional drums and wind instruments, narrate tales of good triumphing over evil, reinforcing moral and cultural values in an artistic form that unites the community in joy and devotion.
Philatelic Tribute by India Post
To honor India’s diverse artistic traditions, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative stamp featuring the Chhau Mask as part of its New Year Heritage Series. This stamp captures the rich cultural energy and craftsmanship of the Chhau art form, symbolizing the enduring connection between India’s performing arts and its deep-rooted spiritual ethos.
Each stamp, like the mask itself, tells a story — of devotion, craftsmanship, and creativity — immortalizing this vibrant folk heritage in miniature form.
A Mask that Speaks the Language of Heritage
The Chhau Mask stands as a powerful reminder of India’s cultural diversity and the creative genius of its artisans. Through the commemorative stamp, India Post has not only celebrated a magnificent art form but also preserved a timeless expression of faith, identity, and artistry — one that continues to dance through the ages.