A Complete List of the Folk Dances of Bihar

Hello, children! Are you all set for an adventurous journey through the most vibrant world of dance? Today, we bring to you the beautiful art of folk dances from Bihar—a state in India that grows culture and tradition. Are you familiar with Bihar’s folk dance names? Even today, Bihar has some of the most colorful folk dances enacting stories, enjoying festivals, and keeping the spirit alive. Just strap on your dancing shoes and let's go tripping into the beautiful world of the folk dance of Bihar!

What is Folk Dance?

Alright, let's venture into the fascinating realm of folk dances of Bihar with at least some knowledge of just what exactly folk dances are. The term 'folk dance' here refers to any dance form that is considered a more or less public dance that is taught, today, largely through institutions such as Bharatiya Folk Dance Centre. Oftentimes, these dance forms narrate history about the performers, what they believe in, and their set of values. The folk dances of Bihar do not simply exhibit swaying one's body out of rhythm; rather, they showcase a celebration of life and stories about the mass.

Folk dances are among the various heritages of Bihar. Each form poses its unique style of dancing, music, and relevance. Folk dances of Bihar are brisk representations of the tradition the state holds. They're performed in every festival, in marriage—almost in any community function. They, too, provide a glimpse of the people's lifestyle.

Now let's acquaint ourselves with some of the famous folk dances of Bihar. Everyone has its distinct features and a unique story. Some of the names of the most well-known folk dances in the state of Bihar and their interesting minute details are as under.

Bidesia Dance

What is Bidesia Dance? 

Bidesia Dance is a traditional folk dance performed in the Bhojpuri-speaking regions in Bihar. The term "Bidesia" means a person gone to a foreign land, and often the dance expresses the hiccups of emotion of people who have migrated to faraway places from their native places.

Characteristics of Bidesia Dance

Performance Style: It is usually performed in a group by both men and women.

Music: The dance is performed on musical beats, which include musical instruments like the dholak and harmonium, providing the tune, while the dance is followed by traditional Bhojpuri music.

Themes: The major themes personified in the dance are separation, feeling, and difficult cultural, social, and financial hardships possessed by the people staying away from their homeland.

Jat-Jatin Dance: 

The music of this dance is provided similarly, that is, with traditional Bhojpuri music, as this is a folk dance depicting the lifestyle of villagers in the song.

What is Jat-Jatin Dance?

The Jat Jatin Dance is a very popular folk dance and has its roots in the Mithila region of Bihar. It is mostly performed during the time of harvesting where the farmers celebrate their hard work as well as accomplishments.

Characteristics of Jat-Jatin Dance

Performance Style: A pair of performers is there to present this dance who are known as Jat and Jatin. They dance as couples in a very energetic way.

Music: Its performance is accompanied by folk music and songs that exalt the cultivation cycle

Theme: It has a dance intended to show the joy of harvest, the relationship with the Jamin

Nautanki Dance

What is  Nautanki Dance?

A Nautanki Dance is a theatrical folk dance based on the combination of simple dance, melodious music, and dramatic representations. Bihar is the place where people welcome this form of entertainment. Enactments for the routine subjects from mythology and folk are carried out in this dance.

Characteristics  of Nautanki Dance

Performance Style: The dance includes elaborative costumes, dramatic expressions, and lively movements.

Music: Music is traditional folk music, some of which are complemented by dialogue and song.

Themes:  Mythological tales, social issues, and themes composed of humorous stories from the usual themes on which the various dance performances are based.

Chhau Dance

What is Chhau Dance?

Chhau Dance is a folk dance performed traditionally in the eastern regions of Bihar, especially in the districts of Seraikela and Kharsawan. The martial arts movements forming part of this dance and performance during festivals characterize the dance.

Characteristics of Chhau Dance

Performance Style: The dance comprises vigorous and energetic movements, often imitating one being martial arts oriented.

Music: It is played with the help of the traditional drums and other such percussion instruments.

Themes: The most common theme of these is the reflection of the stories of mythological characters, heroes, and legendary battles.

Karma Dance

What is Karma Dance?

Karma Dance is a traditional folk dance performed by the tribal communities of Bihar, particularly carried out during the Karma festival. This is performed as a medium to rejoice and have fun by the tribal community here and also to pay regards to God for its blessings over harvesting.

Characteristics  of Karma Dance

Performance Style : It is performed as a succession round dance, where the participants make a move based on the syncing music.

Music: Performed with the support of traditional musical instruments; dhol and mandar, the use of the instruments are to elevate the rhythmic beats.

Themes: Being thankful to the gods keeps the good crop obtained on the occasion of harvest is celebrated.

Dhamri Dance

What is Dharmi Dance?

Dhamri dance is a folk dance of Bihar, usually staged during the festival of Dhamri by worshippers of local deities.

Characteristics of Dhamri Dance

Performance Style: Group performances in a very aggressive and rhythmic style

Music: Traditional music with dhol and flute. 

The dance is especially done as a worship form to the Gods, to invoke their blessings and also as a shower of grace, happiness, and prosperity on the individual.

Sohar Dance

What is Sohar Dance About?

Sohar Dance is a 'Folk dance', and it is performed during the Sohar feast. It is a type of happiness and celebration, as a new arrival has come into the family.

Characteristics of Sohar Dance

Performance Style: This dance is performed in circles and pairs by participants who show a sense of rejoicing and celebration.

Music: The folk songs and music are traditional, which the dancers also use as the accompaniment for the dance performance.

Themes: The dance form commemorates the birth of the child and joy that he brings to all members of his family and house.

Bhawaiya Dance

What is Bhawaiya Dance?

Bhawaiya Dance is a folk dance traditional to Bihar, performed by Bhojpuri-speaking people. It is characterized by soulful music and expressional dance movements.

Features of Bhawaiya Dance

Performative Style: Graceful movements, combined with the expressional tune, depict emotions and tell stories.

Music: Soulful folk music is played on traditional instruments like a dholak and harmonium.

Themes: The dance often mirrors themes of love, longing, and social issues.

How to Learn and Enjoy Folk Dance of Bihar

Excellent.! You by now know a few famous folk dances of Bihar. You must be wondering how to learn and enjoy doing these dance forms. So, let us look for ways to have an enormous amount of fun:

Participate in a Dance Workshop: Most cultural centers and dance schools periodically offer workshops where participants are taught steps and techniques of the folk dance of Bihar.

Attend cultural festivals: Do develop interest in the different cultural festivals going on near you; you are definitely going to stumble upon some live performances of the folk dances of Bihar. This shall really turn out to be quite a form of exposure as you actually get to see these dances in action.

Watch Online Videos: You can find loads of videos on the web showing folk dances of Bihar. This may probably give you a good understanding of the dance forms and motivate you to try yourself.

Participation in School Events: If your school organizes any cultural events or any kind of performances, participate in a folk dance of Bihar. You are going to have fun sharing your love for the dance in front of your friends and family.

Conclusion

It is proper to say that the folk dances of Bihar are an inherent and vibrant part of its cultural heritage. Each form of dance conveys a different story that has been told with regard to being passed through generations by different traditions instilled into those who performed it. Be it the energetic performance of Chhau Dance, making its mark, or the soulful rhythms in Bhawaiya Dance—each Bihar folk dance epitomizes a rich value sewn in the culture of this state.

This way, the very next time you hear about the famous folk dances of Bihar or even come across a Bihar folk dance name, remember that what you are witnessing is something extremely beautiful that has been passed down through generations. Now, whether you are going to watch it or just learn the steps or anything, Bihar folk dances are sure to fill your life with rejoicement and excitement.

Happy dancing!

FAQs

1. How many folk dances are there in Bihar?

Bihar has many folk dances with at least ten main varieties. 

2. What is the harvest dance of Bihar?

Karma Dance is the harvest dance of Bihar.

3. Which is the folk song of Bihar?

One famous folk song of Bihar is “Bhawaiya”.

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