New Delhi: Jharkhand’s rich folk and traditional cultural heritage received a major boost at the national level with three artists from the state being honoured at the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards ceremony in New Delhi.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the honours to the artists at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan, recognising their contribution to preserving traditional art forms and keeping them alive for future generations.
Among the awardees was Guru Sushant Kumar Mahapatra from Seraikela, who was honoured for his contribution to Chhau and traditional Chhau mask-making. His recognition brings national attention to Seraikela’s distinctive mask-making tradition, which is an integral part of the region’s Chhau culture.
Two sisters from Bundu in Ranchi district, Butan Devi and Somwari Devi, were also honoured for their contribution to the traditional Nachni dance tradition. Their award recognises their efforts to preserve and promote a folk performance tradition that has been carried forward through generations.
115 artists honoured
The special investiture ceremony was organised for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards for 2024 and 2025. A total of 115 artists from across the country were honoured for their contributions to different forms of performing arts and traditional cultural practices.
The selection of three artists from Jharkhand is being seen as a significant achievement for the state. The awards have brought Seraikela’s Chhau mask craft and Bundu’s Nachni tradition into greater national focus.
Sushant Mahapatra dedicates honour to his gurus
After receiving the award, Guru Sushant Kumar Mahapatra dedicated the honour to his gurus. He said that preserving and promoting Seraikela’s Chhau mask-making tradition has been one of the major goals of his life.
He also expressed his commitment to continuing work for the preservation and development of both Chhau mask-making and Chhau dance.
Chhau is more than just a dance form. Its identity is closely connected with its distinctive masks, traditional craftsmanship and the generations of artisans who have kept the craft alive. Mahapatra’s recognition therefore represents not only an individual achievement but also a national acknowledgement of the traditional craftsmen associated with Seraikela Chhau.
National recognition for Jharkhand’s folk traditions
The recognition of Butan Devi and Somwari Devi is equally significant for Bundu’s cultural heritage. Through their work, the sisters have helped sustain the traditional Nachni dance tradition and bring greater visibility to a folk art that remains closely connected with the cultural life of the region.
The honours also highlight the importance of documenting and supporting traditional art forms, particularly those that depend on communities and individual practitioners for their survival.
For Jharkhand, the recognition of these three artists is a moment of cultural pride. It demonstrates that the state’s diverse folk traditions are not merely regional expressions but an important part of India’s wider cultural heritage.
By Reporter Post Correspondent