Folk and tribal dances comprise an important part of Orissa's cultural heritage. The origin of the Chhow dance is lost in the mists of time, but its richness and vibrancy exist with enduring vigour even today.

A favouritye dance of the Mayurbhanja district. Chow which has traces of tribal, folk and classical dances, appears to be a rendition of non - verbal theatre, with the legs and body moving flexibly to convey the themes drawn from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, the great Indian epics.

A favourite theme in Chhow is Krishna and the Gopis. The core theme of the Chhow dance revolves around love, romance, chivalry and victory of good over evil.