Bokaro: The prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards for 2022 and 2023 were recently announced at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, under the distinguished presence of President of India Draupadi Murmu. The spotlight shone on Chandankiyari’s folk artist, Parikshit Mahato, who received the esteemed award for Chhau dance for the year 2023.
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Parikshit was rewarded with a cash prize of one lakh rupees in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the art form. In the previous year, Sadhu Charan Mahato of West Bengal was bestowed with the Academy Award for Chhau dance in 2022.
Reflecting on his journey, Parikshit recounted his initiation into Chhau dance in 1982 when the traditional art was on the brink of extinction. The establishment of the Chhau Training Center in Chandankiyari by the Sangeet Natak Academy in October 2018 revitalized the art form, enabling Parikshit to pass on his knowledge to aspiring artists, including children, and acquaint the youth with the intricacies of Chhau dance.
Parikshit expressed his gratitude to the Culture Ministry, the President of Sangeet Natak Akademi, and Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri for the prestigious honor, underscoring the newfound national recognition for village arts and dedicating his award to the talented Jharkhandi artists.
Bauri commended the training center for elevating the status of Jharkhand’s artists, expressing pride in Parikshit’s achievement and acknowledging the award as a significant milestone in preserving cultural heritage. Residing in Khedabeda village of Chandankiyari, Parikshit received his Chhau training under the guidance of Dhananjay Mahato, showcasing the rich lineage and dedication inherent in the art form.
