The Chau mask makers of Charida have formed a society called Chhau Mukhos Silpi Sangha. The society has 10 members and all of them are women. The society organizes a village fair also in the name of Chhau Mukhos Mela. WBKVIB provided the amount of Rs.5lac as working capital to strengthen their business. The committee provides loan to the group member with a minimum interest. There is another society called Chhau Mukhos Silpi Sutradhar Samity. This society has a committee of 20 members.
The Chau mask artists of Charida village of Purulia formed a collective named Chhau Mukhos Silpi Sutradhar Samity. This society has a committee of 20 members.
The Chau dancers of Purulia formed a collective known as Manbhum Lokshilpi Sangha. Around 110 to 120 Chau dance groups are associated with this collective. The Chau dance groups belong to Jhalda I, Jhalda II, Joypur, Arsa, Baghmundi, Balarampur, Barabazar, Bandoan, Hura, Puncha, Purulia I, Purulia II, Para administrative Blocks of Purulia district. Most of the groups are professional in nature and use to present traditional Pala.
There exists another association named Purulia Chau Samity, which is also almost inactive. Around 200 to 220 Chau dance groups are associated with this collective. The Chau dance groups associated with this collective also belong to Jhalda I, Jhalda II, Joypur, Arsha, Baghmundi, Balarampur, Barabazar, Bandoan, Hura, Puncha, Purulia I, Purulia II, Para administrative Blocks of Purulia district.
Manoranjan Sutradhar is a Chau mask artist from Charida village in Purulia. His father is Late Ashwini Sutradhar and his mother is Janani Sutradhar. He has been making Chau masks since the age of seven and has travelled across many states of the country to attend fairs and exhibitions. He is the Treasurer of the Chau Mukhosh Shilpi Sutradhar Samiti.
The 34 year old Chau Mask artist Karunasindhu Sutradhar, residing at Charida village in Purulia, has been making masks since the age of 8. His first teacher was his father Late Sankar Sutradhar. His mother’s name is Parvati Sutradhar. He has travelled to several states and has attended several fairs as a Chau mask artist. He makes different types of Chau masks such as those meant to be worn during Chau dance performances, those meant to be used as home décor, new types of masks and so on. At present, he is the Sabhapati of the Chau Mukhosh Shilpi Sutradhar Samiti.
The 42 year old Chau mask artist Bhim Sutradhar residing at Charida village in Purulia. He has been making Chau masks since the age of 8. His first teacher was his father Dwijapada Sutradhar. He has travelled in many parts of the country such as Delhi, Pune, Rajasthan, Chennai, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai etc to attend fairs and workshops as a Chau mask artist. He makes different types of Chau masks such as those meant to be worn during Chau dance performances, those meant to be used as home décor, new types of masks and so on. Since 2018, he has been the Secretary of the Chau Mukhosh Shilpi Sutradhar Samiti.
Dharmendra Sutradhar, 33, started making masks when he was 10 years old. Mask making is is a traditional craft for him and many other artists living in Charida village. He makes tradional masks meant for Chau dance and several innovative masks based on varied themes. Dharmendra has made masks on literary works like Tasher Desh, religious masks like Pashupatinath, to name a few. He has taken part in almost all the major fairs and festivals in India.
Email: dharmendra.sutradhar@puruliachau.com
