Chaitra Parva, also popular as Chhau Festival, is an important festival solemnized wholeheartedly by Orissa people. It is continuously celebrated for three days, usually in the month of April, by the "Bhuiyans Tribe" located at varied parts of the state. However, majority of them are located in Koraput region where this dance festival is organized with great fervour. So, if you want to gain a unique travelling experience then don't stop yourself to become part of this awesome celebration in the state of Odisha.
Koya Tribals in Orissa solemnized Chhau Parva as Bija Pandu. In fact, the features of Koya villages will grab your attention. It is mandatory in Koya villages to have a Bijigudi or house of God. Thus, the Koya tribes worship the Goddess 'Gudimata' or the Mother Earth or 'Bhumu', as it is generally popular in the villages. During this auspicious occasion, people used to participate in Mayurbhanj Chhau, a popular dance form of Orissa in which the dancers used to wear masks or chhau. This dance form includes the components of folk, martial arts and classical dance.
Apart from the dance celebration, Chaitra Festival is also celebrated with religious sentiments by the Orissa people. They used to worship Lord Shiva with a belief that he brings the prosperity for each and every individual. In completely opposite to this kind of celebration, people also take participate in singing, drinking, dancing and hunting. In addition, they also worship the Gods with liquor and sacrifice the lives of birds and animals before the Almighty. As far as dresses of the festivals are concerned, the men used to wear large headgears of bison-horns embellished with peacock feathers and cowries. Whereas, women wear brass caps and carry sticks holding tinkling bells.
Another striking feature of Chaitra Parva is the horse dance, which is locally known as Chaiti Ghoda Nach. During this dance, men wear wooden horse and dance on the tunes of Dhola and Mahuri along with the songs of local poets.
So make your tour to Orissa more entertaining and memorable by tapping your feet on the occasion of Chaitra Parva.
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