Bihar, renowned for its diverse cultural heritage, embraces various traditional folk dances that hold immense significance within the state’s cultural fabric. These folk dances serve as integral elements of Bihar’s heritage, reflecting the essence of its cultural identity. Here are some prominent folk dances:
Folk Dance Styles Of Bihar
1. Jat-Jatin dance
Jat-Jatin, a beloved folk dance in Bihar’s Mithilanchal region, is performed by women, especially on moonlit nights. This dance narrates the poignant love story and separation of lovers named ‘Jat’ and ‘Jatin’. Popular in North Bihar, particularly in Mithila and Kosi, the dance delves into social themes like droughts, floods, love, sorrow, and poverty.
This dance portrays the story of a married couple’s deep love and conflicts, illustrating how Jat and Jatin, deeply in love, faced separation due to adverse circumstances. Often performed in the monsoon season under the moonlight, the dance involves pairs of women dancing from midnight until dawn, usually enacted by two individuals.
2. Bidesia Dance
This dance is another well-known folk dance from Bihar, centered on social issues like disparities between rich and poor, conflicts between upper and lower classes, and the clash between traditional and modern lifestyles. Originating in the 20th century as a folk theatre form, it thrives in the Bhojpuri-speaking regions of Bihar.
This dance form traces back to the pioneering work of Bhikari Thakur, a professional barber who emerged as a notable playwright and artist of his time, often called the ‘Shakespeare of Bhojpuri’. Thakur utilized dance as a medium to express his perspectives satirically and engagingly, resonating deeply with the local populace.
3. Jhijhiya Dance
This folk dance is a prayer ritual originating from Bihar’s Koshi region. It is a form of supplication during severe droughts when the land becomes dry. Primarily performed by women, the dance involves a lead singer, a harmonium player, a flutist, and a dholak player.
This ritualistic dance is an earnest plea to Lord Indra, the deity associated with rain. Through this dance, people seek to appease Lord Indra, fervently praying for life-giving rains essential for agriculture. Accompanying the dance are songs expressing their unwavering faith and devotion to Lord Indra, with hopes for a bountiful harvest and healthy crops.
4. Karma dance
This traditional dance is performed by tribal communities in Bihar and other states. It’s not just a form of entertainment but is deeply connected to religious and social rituals. The dance revolves around the Karma tree, which symbolizes the Karama Devta, considered the God of Fate.
Both men and women participate in this dance, forming two circles. They hold hands and move in a clockwise direction. Their movements are energetic, featuring quick steps and intricate hand gestures. The rhythm of the dance is driven by the beats of the traditional dhol and accompanied by singing. As the dance progresses, the tempo of the dhol picks up, creating an atmosphere of joy and happiness among the dancers. When the dance concludes, everyone joins in a jubilant celebration, expressing joy through the dance and music.
5. Kajari dance
This dance celebrates the arrival of the monsoon during the month of ‘Shravan’. It continues throughout the whole rainy season. Kajari songs accompany it. The dance expresses joy, excitement, peace, and the sense of renewal that comes with the change in weather and the start of the rainy season.
The songs describe people’s emotions and the beauty of rain on our planet. Maidens and young girls perform this dance, expressing their emotions and happiness at the beginning of the rainy season.
6. Chhau Dance
Chhau is a folk dance of Bihar, meaning ‘mask’. The name ‘Chhau’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Chhaya’, which means shade. This dance blends martial arts, acrobatics, and storytelling and is performed exclusively by men. Usually, Chhau is showcased during festivals and auspicious occasions, accompanied by the beat of a dhol.
Dancers don vibrant costumes and masks. There are three variations of Chhau—Seraikella Chhau, Mayurbhanj Chhau, and Purulia Chhau—each performed in different regions with distinct styles, masks, and attire. Seraikella Chhau is recognized for its grace, Mayurbhanj Chhau for its vigorous movements, while Purulia Chhau stands out for its elaborate masks, costumes, and storytelling techniques.
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