Jharkhand’s Folk Arts Shine Nationally as Three Artists Receive Sangeet Natak Akademi Honours

Jharkhand’s rich folk and traditional cultural heritage received a major national recognition as three artists from the state were honoured at the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.

President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards to the artists, recognising their contribution to preserving and promoting traditional art forms that have been passed down through generations.

Among those honoured was Guru Sushant Kumar Mahapatra of Seraikela, who received the award for his contribution to Chhau and traditional Chhau mask-making. The award recognises not only his individual work but also the craftsmanship associated with Seraikela’s distinctive Chhau tradition.

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 recognition highlights the efforts of artists who have helped keep folk performance traditions alive despite the changing cultural landscape.

115 artists honoured

A total of 115 artists from across the country were honoured with Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards for 2024 and 2025 at the special investiture ceremony.

The awards recognise artists who have made significant contributions to different fields of performing arts and traditional cultural practices. The selection of three artists from Jharkhand is being seen as an important achievement for the state’s folk and indigenous cultural traditions.

The recognition is particularly significant for Seraikela Chhau and Bundu’s Nachni tradition, both of which represent distinctive cultural expressions that have developed and survived through generations of local artistic communities.

Sushant Mahapatra dedicates award to his gurus

After receiving the honour, Guru Sushant Kumar Mahapatra dedicated the award to his gurus and said that promoting and preserving Seraikela’s Chhau mask-making tradition remains one of the main objectives of his life.

He said he would continue working towards the preservation and promotion of Chhau mask-making and Chhau dance so that the traditional art can be passed on to future generations.

Chhau’s cultural identity extends beyond the dance performed on stage. Its elaborate masks, traditional craftsmanship and the skills required to create them form an integral part of the art form. The national recognition for Mahapatra therefore also puts the spotlight on the artisans who preserve this specialised craft.

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A proud moment for Jharkhand’s cultural heritage

The honour given to three Jharkhand artists by President Droupadi Murmu marks an important moment for the state’s cultural community. While Seraikela’s Chhau mask tradition received recognition through Sushant Kumar Mahapatra, Butan Devi and Somwari Devi brought national attention to the traditional Nachni dance of Bundu.

The recognition also underlines the wider importance of protecting folk and traditional art forms at a time when many such practices face challenges in finding new generations of practitioners.

For Jharkhand, the awards are more than individual achievements. They reaffirm that the state’s folk traditions are an important part of India’s broader cultural heritage and deserve continued support, documentation and opportunities to reach new audiences.