The ‘Chukari’: a dynamic character in rajbanshi folk culture

The folk art of Chukari is performed in Rajbangshi culture, which is a unique genre of North East India, Bangladesh and North Bengal. This art is also spread across India in different forms and styles. The artists or characters of 'Chukari Shilpa' are called artists known as "Chukari" and are sometimes also known individually as "Chokra". A Chukari is a dynamic and versatile artist who sings, dances, speaks, does comedy and acts in theatre. A Chukari is a male artist who expresses and performs beauty in his art as a female artist. Similar characters are found all over India from different perspectives, such as Maruni of Sikkim, Jhumra of Bihar, Gotipowa of Odisha, etc. Chukari is capable of expressing specific emotions and feelings. In the past, women used to practice and participate in folk culture in their homes, as they were not allowed to perform in public places. This led to the development of the art known as Chukari. The aim of this study is to provide information about the dynamic character of the chukri in Rajvanshi culture.