The Belgadia Palace

A visit to The Belgadia Palace is incomplete without immersing yourself in the captivating Chhau dance of Mayurbhanj. The mesmerising performance, with its traditional costumes, rhythmic beats and skilful storytelling, transports you to a realm where tradition meets artistry.

Chhau dance, a semi-classical Indian art form, weaves together martial and folk traditions, drawing inspiration from the valorous feats of the state army and narratives from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. In a testament to its cultural significance, the Chhau dance was honoured with inclusion in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

The zenith of Chhau dance was reached under the generous patronage of the Bhanj dynasty, known for their unwavering support for art and culture. A historical episode recounts the 1912 performance during the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India. Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo orchestrated a mesmerising ‘War Dance,' featuring 64 Chhau artistes from the palace troupe at the royal couple's reception in Calcutta. This landmark event marked the first introduction of the Chhau dance to a global audience, earning it a dazzling ovation.

Nearly 140 years ago, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Bhanja Deo introduced the Chhau dance during the State's renowned annual festival, Chaitra Parva, hosted within the palace. This grand celebration not only showcased the art form but also served as an inclusive platform, inviting royal families from neighbouring kingdoms and common people into the palace. The primary objective was to raise awareness about Chhau dance and foster the arts as a means of livelihood.

Today, in the spirit of preserving and promoting this beautiful art form, you are cordially invited to be enchanted by the wonderful performances, continuing the legacy of cultural appreciation and artistic encouragement.

When you stay at The Belgadia Palace in Mayurbhanj, make sure not to miss visiting the local handicraft village. A walk to the village isn't just exciting but is also an educational and culturally rich experience. You can enjoy exploring the village lanes, witnessing skilled artisans at work and gaining insights into the region's heritage.

Mayurbhanj is known for its exquisite sabai-based handicrafts and furniture, serving as a testament to the artistic prowess of local craftsmen while significantly contributing to the region's economy and cultural heritage. The allure of sabai handicrafts lies not only in their unique charm but also in their sustainable and eco-friendly nature, utilising sabai grass as a renewable and locally sourced material. Crafted with skill and precision, these pieces have become sought after by tourists and art enthusiasts alike for their cultural significance.

For a firsthand experience, you are invited to join a scenic drive to witness the meticulous craft of sabai grass creations by the talented women of local self-help groups. These clusters, comprised entirely of women artisans, skillfully weave an array of products – from bowls and trays to table mats and wall hangings – using nothing more than the humble sui(needle) and dhaga(thread).

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Sabai grass handicrafts play a pivotal role in the local economy and cultural heritage of Mayurbhanj. The craft provides livelihood opportunities for many in the community, especially women involved in self-help groups. As these crafts gain popularity among tourists and art enthusiasts, your visit contributes not only to the economic well-being of the artisans but also helps in carrying forward Mayurbhanj's rich cultural legacy.

The culmination of this craftsmanship is showcased at The Belgadia Palace’s in-house store, Hasa, offering a curated selection that allows you to take home a piece of Mayurbhanj's rich artistic heritage.