Understanding Happiness through Purulia’s Chhau Dance

A Case Study

Abstract

This study tries to explore the roots of happiness through this indigenous folk dance mainly Chhau, famous in Purulia as well as globally. Actually through this dance the local traditions and cultural components are exhibits with the combines martial movements, training of Body parts, storytelling , attractive symbolic masks and the collective participation.

For fulfilling the objectives , here the researchers has used descriptive survey research design and data were collected from 20 Chou Dancers or Artists and data were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. For the primary data collection , researchers has used different tools like Semi-structured Interview, Focus group Discussion and Obsevation Schedule . Secondary data were collected from the Govt. Websites, Books, Journals, Different Scholarly Articles etc. After the Data collection, data were analysed using the Thematic qualitative analysis, Percentage, and graphical representations. Atlast the result found that, By the participating of Chou Dance, emotional happiness, self confidences, mental wellbeing etc. singnificantly enhances and its have positive impact on hapiness. The study concludes that this dance not only a cultural and traditional dance performance but also as an important psychosocial resource contributing to happiness and mental well-being within rural communities.