Guru Krishna Chandra Naik (born 1920) was one of the distinguished practitioners, teachers, choreographers and creative exponents of Mayurbhanj Chhau, whose lifelong dedication contributed significantly to the preservation, enrichment and wider dissemination of this distinctive martial-dance tradition of Odisha. According to the official citation of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, he was initiated into Chhau at a very young age by Jogendra Kumar Bhanja and Bhagwan Das. His artistic development received valuable patronage from Maharaja Pratap Chandra Bhanj Deo of Mayurbhanj and his uncle Shridamachandra Bhanj. Guru Naik devoted nearly five decades to the practice and advancement of Mayurbhanj Chhau and emerged as one of its leading masters. His artistry was characterised by exceptional physical control, dynamic movements, expressive strength, rhythmic precision and the ability to convey narratives through the distinctive vocabulary of Chhau. He was equally renowned as a teacher and choreographer and played an important role in training younger generations and adapting Chhau for the modern stage.

Major Contributions :- He was closely associated with the Mayurbhanj Chhau Nrutya Pratisthan, Baripada, where he served as a senior Guru. He also worked with the Little Ballet Troupe and later taught Mayurbhanj Chhau in Delhi, including at the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, thereby contributing to the national dissemination of the dance form. His notable choreographic productions included Konark, Kaling Vijay, Jagdev, Khajuraho, Mahabir, Yayati and Karna. Among his students was renowned dancer Sharon Lowen, whom he began training in Mayurbhanj Chhau in 1975.

Awards and Honours :- In recognition of his outstanding contribution to dance and Mayurbhanj Chhau, Guru Krishna Chandra Naik received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1975. He was also honoured with the Sahitya Kala Parishad Samman. His disciplined teaching, innovative choreography and lifelong dedication helped establish Mayurbhanj Chhau as an important component of India’s performing-arts heritage.