Folk Dance

In ancient Bihar, evidence of the presence of female singers and dancers is found in cities like Rajgir and Vaishali from the time of Mahatma Buddha. They were also called Nagarshobhini. The proof of Vaishali’s royal dancer Amrapali being initiated by Mahatma Buddha comes from historical sources. Folk dances have their own importance in the public sphere of Bihar. There are many forms of folk music and dance which are related to various activities of daily life. Whether it is a marriage ceremony or other auspicious occasion or entertainment, the attraction of folk dances is clearly visible.

• Among the folk dances of Bihar, those such as Ramlila dance, Bhagat dance, Kirtaniya dance, etc. are notable in Videh region of North Bihar, which are of religious importance based on important poetic compositions.
• The ‘Domkach’ dance is performed at family festivals, in which singing and dancing are used together.

Folk Dance Prevalent in Bihar

• • Pavadiya Dance: This folk dance is performed by men in female dress on birth anniversary, In this, men in women’s costumes, wearing ghaghra- cholis, take drums, cymbals-manjira in their hands and dance by singing songs of Sohar-Khelona etc.
  • Jhijhiya Dance: This dance is performed by women. In this dance, women dance by lighting a lamp in a perforated pot (this is called Jhijhiya) and placing the pot on their head. The dancing women move around in a circle dancing and singing songs based on the stories of King Chitrasen and his queen. The dance looks very attractive, especially clapping, pacing and dancing by the women.
  • Dhobia Dance: In Bhojpur district of Bihar, this dance is organized as a group dance in the Dhobi community on marriages and other auspicious occasions. Its dancers perform the dance by singing songs on the rhythm of folk instruments, being filled with Shringar Rasa.
  • Jogida Dance: This dance is especially popular in rural areas on the festival of Holl. During this dance, rural boys and girls sing and dance while applying colors. There is an atmosphere of fun in this dance.
  • Vidyapati Dance: It is the main folk dance of Purnia region of the state, with performers singing the verses of Vidyapati, the great poet of Mithila, dancing and presenting the expressions described in the verses.
  • Kathghodwa Dance: The dancer stands in the middle of a horse made of wood, bamboo and splinters wearing colorful costumes and dances in it. This dance was generally performed on the occasion of marriage ceremony. At present, the trend of this dance form is ending. Apart from Bihar, this dance is also popular in the eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh.
  • Launda Dance: Launda dance is performed by a boy in the guise of a girl on marriage and other auspicious occasions. During the dance, the dancers force the audience to give and take something and splash on the basis of their expressions. This dance is famous in Bhojpuri speaking districts like Bhojpur, Chhapra, Siwan, Gopalganj etc.
  • Jharni Dance: This is a popular dance of the Muslims of Bihar. It is organized during Muharram. In this dance, the dancers sing mourning songs and express their grief through their acting.
  • Kariya Jhumar Dance: This is a female dominated folk dance, which is very popular in the Mithila region. This popular dance is performed by women on festive and auspicious occasions accompanied by folk songs.
  • Karma Dance: This dance is especially popular among the tribes of Bihar. It is done collectively on the occasion of sowing-harvesting of crops to please the deity of Karma. In this dance, male and female dancers put their hands on each other’s waist. The dancers move around in a circle singing songs accompanied by the melody of cymbals-manjira, flute, trumpet.
  • Kheladin Dance: This folk dance is organized for the entertainment of the guests on marriages and other auspicious occasions. Generally this dance is performed by professional women. The women performing this dance get special prizes or baksheesh by wooing the guests with their expressions.
  • Chhau Dance: This folk dance is related to war, in which the dance is governed by physical expressions, energetic voices and slow-fast movement of steps. There are two categories of this dance-first is the weapon category, in which Veer Rasa predominates and second is the Kalibhang category, in which Shringar Rasa is given prominence. Mainly male dancers participate in this folk dance.