Jamshedpur, Dec. 28: The Sapphire Creations team, known for being experimental, radical and dynamic, will be here to perform at the Shatrang Mela, scheduled to begin at Gopal Maidan from January 2, as part of the Tata centenary celebrations.

The troupe led by choreographer Sudarshan Chakarvorty is said to be Eastern India’s only experimental dance group and has already participated in major concerts in countries like Malaysia, Australia and Thailand.

“Sapphire has performed in major art festivals and events in India and abroad,” said a Tata Steel spokesperson. The four-day mela will begin with a colourful ceremony and the Shatrang song, especially composed by a rock band from Calcutta.

On the second-day of the mela there would be magic show by the Mandrake troupe from Calcutta. Apart from this, there would also be Hasya kavi sammelan by some of India’s leading poets.

Gotipua dancers from Orissa will also be part of the show. “The gotipua dance tradition started in the 16th century,” said officials. There will also be smaller manchas to host dance forms like the Jhoomar, Paika and Chhau along with Baul singers and local drummers.

“The other main attraction would be Shatrang Bazaar, with stalls for jewellery, handloom and gift items,” said officials. Music bands on tableaus will be parked at Gopal Maidan 8pm onwards, playing popular numbers.