Varsha PandeyMost of the folk dances of Bihar are religious, in which gods and goddesses are invoked through dance and performed to the beat of folk songs and music.
Bihar, a state in eastern India, has a rich cultural heritage that includes various forms of traditional folk dances. Some of the popular folk dances of Bihar are:
Some of the prominent folk dances of Bihar include the following:
Jhijhiya
It is a major folk dance of Mithilanchal, Bihar.
According to the rural belief, this song is to save the people from the evil effects of the tantra mantra.
girls sing songs and invite their favorite God Brahma Baba to come and save the people from the bad effects of the witch Jogin.
Jhijhiya dance is based on the love affairs of King Chitrasen and his queen.
This dance is performed only by women.
It is a group dance
In this dance, rural women form a circle with their friends.
In the center of the circle, a woman who plays the role of the main dancer dances with a lit lamp and a pot with holes in her head.
Musical Accompaniment
The primary feature of the Jhijhian Dance is the use of the Jhijhian, which are small, hand-held brass cymbals. Dancers strike these cymbals together in a coordinated manner to produce a lively and rhythmic sound. The sound of the Jhijhian is an essential component of the dance, and it sets the pace and rhythm for the performers.
Footwork
The dance involves fast and intricate footwork that matches the rhythm of the Jhijhian. Dancers move their feet in quick, synchronized patterns, creating a captivating visual display.
Traditional Attire
Dancers typically wear traditional Anga region attire, which includes colorful and vibrant costumes. The costumes are often adorned with embroidery and mirror work to enhance the visual appeal of the dance.
Occasions
Jhijhian Dance is often performed during festive and celebratory occasions such as weddings, religious festivals, and cultural events in the Anga region of Bihar. It is a form of entertainment and a way to celebrate special moments.
Community Involvement
Jhijhian Dance is often performed in groups, and community members participate in the dance together. It is a form of social and cultural bonding, allowing people to come together and enjoy the performance.
The Jhijhian Dance is an important part of the cultural heritage of the Anga region and serves as a means of preserving and showcasing the traditional music and dance forms of Bihar. It adds vibrancy and energy to various festivities and cultural gatherings in the region, making it an integral part of the local cultural landscape.
Kajri Dance
Kajri is performed during the rainy season.
The popular melodious tune of Kajri Geet creates a pleasant feeling in the body.
and is heard from the beginning of the month of Shravan along with the rhythmic sound of rain.
Kathghorwa dance (folk dance of Bihar)
In this dance, the dancer ties a decorated horse made of wood and bamboo splinters to his waist.
The dancer dances by making attractive costumes.
Today, the practice of this dance is almost negligible.
Dance is during the auspicious occasion.
Bhojpuri Tradition
Kathghorwa Dance is deeply rooted in the Bhojpuri culture of the Bhojpur region, which includes parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. It is performed during various cultural and festive occasions, such as weddings, festivals, and social gatherings.
Energetic Movements
The dance is characterized by energetic and fast-paced movements, including intricate footwork and hand gestures. Dancers often create a vibrant and engaging performance with their dynamic steps.
Traditional Attire
Performers typically wear traditional Bhojpuri attire, including colorful costumes and jewelry. The costumes are chosen to enhance the visual appeal of the dance.
Musical Accompaniment
Kathghorwa Dance is accompanied by traditional Bhojpuri music, which includes various musical instruments like the dholak (a double-headed hand-drum), harmonium, and traditional folk songs. The music sets the rhythm and mood for the dance.
Group Dance
It is usually performed by a group of dancers, and both men and women participate. The group nature of the dance creates a sense of community and togetherness during the celebrations.
Celebration and Entertainment
Kathghorwa Dance is not only a form of cultural expression but also serves as a source of entertainment and a way to celebrate special moments and occasions in the Bhojpuri-speaking communities.
Kathghorwa Dance is a lively and culturally significant dance form that showcases the dynamic spirit and traditions of the Bhojpuri region. It continues to be an important part of their cultural identity and adds vibrancy to various festivities and cultural gatherings in the region.
Jharni dance
Jharni dance is performed only by Muslim dancers on the occasion of Muharram.
Dance show sorrow.
The dancers use bamboo sticks split at one end.
They stand in a circular form and spin around, each dancer striking his partner’s stick.
The sound produced provides the rhythm for the dance.
In this song, the dancers also sing mourning songs and express their condolences through their acting.
Jat-Jatin
Jat-Jatin is the most popular folk dance of North Bihar, especially in the Mithila and Koshi regions.
It is performed by a pair of men and women.
Females take four steps forward and four steps backward.
Apart from poverty and misery, this dance also signifies sweet and gentle quarrels as well as some grievances between husband and wife.
It is for the monsoon celebration.
Jat-Jatin Dance, also known as Jata-Jatin Dance, is a traditional folk dance of the Maithil community in the Mithila region of Bihar, India. The Maithil community is known for its rich cultural heritage, and the Jat-Jatin Dance is an integral part of their traditional celebrations and social gatherings.
Maithil Tradition
The Jat-Jatin Dance is deeply rooted in the Maithil culture, which includes the Mithila region of Bihar and parts of Nepal. It is performed during various cultural and religious occasions, such as weddings, festivals, and social gatherings.
Expressive Movements
The dance is known for its graceful and expressive movements, with intricate footwork and hand gestures. Dancers use their hands and feet to convey emotions and tell stories through the dance.
Traditional Attire
Performers typically wear traditional Maithil attire, which includes vibrant and colorful costumes. The clothing is often adorned with traditional embroidery and mirror work, enhancing the visual appeal of the dance.
Musical Accompaniment
The dance is accompanied by traditional Maithil music, including vocal and instrumental elements. The music sets the rhythm and mood for the dance, and it is an essential part of the performance.
Group Performance
Jat-Jatin Dance is often performed in groups, and both men and women participate in the dance. The group nature of the dance creates a sense of community and togetherness during the celebrations.
Symbolism
The Jat-Jatin Dance often incorporates symbolic elements that are reflective of Maithil culture and traditions. It may tell stories from mythology or depict scenes from everyday life in the region.
The Jat-Jatin Dance is a beautiful and culturally significant art form that represents the artistic heritage of the Maithil community in Bihar. It continues to be an important part of their cultural identity, and its performances are cherished during various special occasions, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Maithil traditions and customs.
Jhumri (folk dance of Bihar)
Jhumri is a folk dance of Mithilanchal.
After the month of Ashwin comes Karthik with his clear skies.
On the full moon night of Kartik, village girls sing and dance to celebrate the turn of the season.
Jumari Dance is a traditional folk dance form of the Anga and Magadh regions of Bihar, India. This dance is predominantly performed by women and is known for its grace and expressive movements. Jumari is often performed during various cultural and festive occasions, especially at weddings and other celebrations in these regions.
Key features of the Jumari Dance:
Graceful Movements
Jumari is characterized by graceful and slow movements, often telling a story or conveying emotions through gestures and expressions. The dance is marked by fluid, elegant steps and hand movements.
Traditional Attire
Dancers typically wear traditional attire, which may include colorful and embellished saris or dresses. The costumes are chosen to enhance the visual appeal of the dance.
Occasions
Jumari Dance is a significant part of celebrations, particularly at weddings and other special events in the Anga and Magadh regions. It serves as a form of entertainment and celebration, bringing women together to perform and enjoy the dance.
Rhythmic Music
Jumari is accompanied by traditional folk music that sets the mood and rhythm for the dance. Musicians may play traditional instruments such as dholak (a type of drum) and sing folk songs that complement the dance.
Cultural Significance
Jumari Dance is an important cultural element in the Anga and Magadh regions, and it reflects the cultural and artistic heritage of these areas. It plays a role in preserving and promoting local traditions and customs.
Storytelling
In some instances, the Jumari Dance incorporates storytelling elements, where the dancers depict scenes or narratives from local folklore, mythology, or everyday life.
Jumari Dance is an art form that highlights the cultural diversity and richness of the Anga and Magadh regions of Bihar. It provides a platform for women to showcase their talent and express themselves through dance, and it continues to be a cherished tradition that adds vibrancy to various celebrations in the region.
Launda dance (folk dance of Bihar)
Launda dance is by a boy in the form of a girl on marriage and other auspicious occasions.
They wear colorful dresses like a girl.
This dance is prevalent in Bihar mainly in the Bhojpuri region.
The most prevalent of this dance is in the procession.
Pamaria Folk Dance (Folk-Dances of Bihar)
This dance is by men on the occasion of birth etc.
In this dance, male dancers wear ghaghra-choli, play dhol-major, sing folk songs, and dance.
Domkach Dance
Domkach Dance is a traditional folk dance form of the Santhal tribal community, primarily performed in the state of Jharkhand in India, as well as in the neighboring regions of Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha, where the Santhal community is also found. The Santhal people are known for their unique culture, and Domkach Dance is a significant part of their cultural heritage.
Key features of the Domkach Dance
Tribal Tradition
Domkach Dance is a tribal dance that has been an integral part of the Santhal culture for generations. It is performed during various tribal festivals, cultural events, and celebrations.
Rhythmic Music
The dance is accompanied by traditional tribal music that typically includes instruments like the “Tumdak” (a type of kettle drum), flutes, and other percussion instruments. The music sets the pace and rhythm for the dance.
Energetic Movements
Domkach Dance is known for its energetic and rhythmic movements. Dancers create an engaging and dynamic performance with quick footwork and expressive gestures.
Group Dance
It is usually performed in groups, with both men and women participating. Dancers form a circle or semi-circle and move in coordinated patterns, maintaining the cultural and community aspect of the dance.
Traditional Attire
Dancers wear traditional Santhal attire, which includes brightly colored clothing and ornaments, reflecting the rich culture and artistry of the Santhal community.
Storytelling
Domkach Dance often incorporates storytelling elements, where the movements and expressions of the dancers convey narratives from tribal folklore, myths, or daily life.
Domkach Dance is not only a form of entertainment but also an expression of the Santhal community’s identity, history, and cultural heritage. It serves as a way to preserve and promote their traditions and customs, and it continues to be an important aspect of their social and cultural life.
Sohar Khelwana (folk dance of Bihar)
Sohar Khelwana is a dance by women to celebrate the birth of a child.
The arrival of a newborn in India is with traditional rituals.
The child receives blessings from family members, neighbors, and well-wishers.
Through Sohar songs, women compare the newborn to Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, popular Hindu deities who are the embodiment of virtue.
Kinnars are an integral part of the celebration of the birth of a child and participate in this dance.
Holi Dance (Jogida Dance)
Jogida dance is a famous folk dance of Bihar.
It is one of the most popular dances in Bihar.
Jogida dance is all over Bihar.
The dance is on Holi, one of the major festivals of India.
In this, rural boys and girls dance while singing Phag by applying colors to each other.
Most villagers do this dance in groups.
Chaita (folk dance of Bihar)
Chait songs, as the name suggests, are in the month of Chaitra, when flowers appear on mustard plants. Men sing these romantic songs.
Magahi Jhumar Dance (Folk-Dance of Bihar)
The Magahi Jhumar dance is usually a duet, where the male and female dancers play the roles of husband and wife.
They dance in unison expressing their wishes and aspirations.
The wife asks her husband for nice clothes and beautiful ornaments.
The husband promises to give her everything she wants.
This vibrant folk dance is to the accompaniment of melodious music.
Karma dance (folk dance of Bihar)
The traditional Karma dance gets its name from the Karma tree which is a symbol of luck and good fortune.
The dance begins with the planting of the tree, followed by circular formations around it.
In this group dance, there are usually as many males as female dancers.
The dancers dance to the beat of the drum and the clapping of the female folk.
The dancers place their hands on the waist of their neighbors and form semicircular lines.
Each line of dancers sings and dances in turn to the accompaniment of mandoor and timki.
The drums beat fast and loud and the dance ends on a pleasant note.
Natua (folk dance of Bihar)
Natua dance begins with an item called Natua Kachal.
In this duet performance, accompanying musical instruments include nagara, dhol, and shenai.
The costumes worn by the dancers are indigenous and attractive.
Videshiya Dance
Dance is on social evil like Dowry, and widow remarriage. etc.
It is Just like Drama.
Bidesia Dance, also known as Bideshi or Videshi Dance, is a traditional folk dance form that originated in the Bhojpuri-speaking regions of India, including parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The term “Bidesia” is derived from the Bhojpuri word “bidesh,” which means “foreign land,” and the dance form often tells stories related to migration, love, and separation. Bidesia Dance is typically accompanied by traditional Bhojpuri music and songs.
Key features of the Bidesia Dance
Storytelling
Bidesia Dance is a narrative dance form that tells stories through the movements and expressions of the dancers. These stories often revolve around themes of migration, separation, love, and longing. The dancers use their body language and gestures to convey the emotions and plot of the story.
Traditional Music
The dance is accompanied by traditional Bhojpuri music, which includes instruments like the dholak (a double-headed hand-drum) and harmonium. The music complements the dance and sets the mood for the storytelling.
Colorful Costumes
Dancers typically wear vibrant and traditional Bhojpuri attire, including colorful saris and traditional jewelry. The costumes add to the visual appeal of the performance.
Group Dance
Bidesia Dance is often performed by a group of dancers, both male and female. The group movements enhance the storytelling and make the performance more engaging.
Cultural Significance
Bidesia Dance is an important part of the cultural heritage of Bhojpuri-speaking regions, and it plays a role in preserving and promoting local traditions and customs. It reflects the social and emotional experiences of the people in these regions, particularly those who have experienced migration.
Popular Occasions
Bidesia Dance is commonly performed during cultural events, weddings, and other festive occasions in the Bhojpuri-speaking communities. It is a form of entertainment and a way to celebrate and express their cultural identity.
Bidesia Dance is not only a form of artistic expression but also a means of connecting with the emotional and social experiences of the Bhojpuri-speaking people, especially those who have had to leave their homes in search of a better life. The dance continues to be a cherished tradition that adds depth and meaning to various cultural celebrations in the region.
Chahu dance
It is related to war.
As it is a war dance physical energy is more during dance.
Only Male dancers perform this dance.
Dobiya Dance
Dance is by dhobi tribes.
It is a dance of the Bhojpur area.
Both men and women perform this dance.
But it does not exist nowadays.
Vidhyapati Dance
It is performed in the Pudiya area of Bihar.
It is a group dance.
This dance is a tribute to the famous poet of Mithila Poet Vidyapati.
Kariya jhumar Dance
A head of female dancers leads this dance.
Females dance hold hands and dance in a circle.
Kholdin Dance
Dance is performed during the marriage or any auspicious occasion.
It is in front of guests only to entertain them.
Ponodiya dance
The dance is done by male dance during the birth of a child.
Paika Dance
Bakho-Bakhain Dance
Panwariya
