Folk Dances of Jharkhand - JPSC/ JSSC

FOLK DANCES OF JHARKHAND

Folk dances of Jharkhand represent its vibrant culture and tradition. There is a various folk dance in the State of Jharkhand which is performed during harvest season, festival, and social gatherings.

Some folk dance and tribal dances in Jharkhand are Bheja dance, Chhau dance, Jhumar dance, Paika dance, Phagua dance, Santhal dance, Sarhul dance, Domkach, Ghora naach, Karam dance, Barao.

FOLK DANCE & THEIR FORMS

DANCE	HOW TO PERFORM
Bheja dance	During a performance, they form a chain by clumping the hands of one another. Melodious traditional songs & music are the major accomplishments of this dancer in alternative succession.
Chhau dance	This dance is performed in an open space or a ground field generally at night time. Since the characters in the dance depict various Gods. The dancers maintain sacredness & sanctity by taking a bath and doing pooja before a performance. The dancing area is surrounded by the fire poles called the Mashaals, for the sake of lighting in the dark. But, in some of the advanced parts of the state, electrical lamps & light have started replacing the fire poles. A huge colorful mask called Chhau mask made of paper mache is worn by the dancers and the dance is generally in the form of Nritya Natika. Mythological stories from the Ramayana & Mahabharata are enacted accompanied by traditional instruments like Nagara drums, flute, etc.
Jhumar dance	It is a popular folk dance and performed by Sadan any time, especially during weddings, harvest season, melas, festivals, or some other important functions & celebrations. This dance is generally performed in a circle. The dancers wear very colorful costumes. Musical instruments used are Mandar, Dhol, Nagara, Dhak, Bansi Shahnai.
Fagua dance	This is performed by both men & women during the festival of Fagua. During the performance, the dancers throw colored water on each other. Musical instruments used are Mandar, Dhol, and Bansi.
Paika/ Painaki dance	It is a famous dance form of Odisha which is practiced by the paikas of the Oriya army. The tradition of this dance is carried throughout the huge area of the tribal belt of the Mayurbhanj district. But, in Jharkhand, it is generally performed by the Munda community. It is a ceremonial martial dance. The main target of this dance is to enhance physical excitement and to develop inner courage. It depicts the various steps in the preparation of war. To protect themselves the dancers wear headgear and safety chest plates (shield) with bells on their anklets (ghunghroo). They wear colorful robes and carry a sword in one hand and a shield in the other. This dance is generally performed to welcome guests during important functions. Musical instruments used are Nagara drums, Shehnai, Narsingha, Bheir.
Santhal dance	Santhal tribes have their own unique dance. This dance was performed by the Santhal tribes during all special festivals, occasions, and harvest seasons. The dance form does not only reveal the culture or traditions of the local tribes but also showcases the strength of unity. The main attraction is the colorful costumes worn by the tribal people. Musical instruments used are Madal and Nagara.
Sarhul dance	It is worshipping of the village deity, which protects and supports the tribe. There are dancing and singing in the whole region accompanied by drinks, snacks and a variety of food.
Hunta dance	The hunting dance of Santhal who lives in the hilly plateaus of the Chotanagpur region and Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand. The dance is performed on the festival and special occasions showcasing their strength of unity & pride. This powerful dance requires a lot of strength & vigor and is performed only by men. The dancers wear colorful costumes of dhoti & turban and decorate their bodies with various species of flora. They design their clothes and use branches, leaves, and flowers along with their clothes as the Santhal are said to be close to nature. The dance depicts the act of preparing for the hunt with bows & arrows, stalking animals, and finally killing them. Mime, slow strong stepping, and measured movements are the distinctive features of this ancient tribal dance.
Karam dance	This dance is derived from a sacred tree named Kadamba which is believed to being prosperity and good luck to the people and depicts the celebration of the planting of the tree. It is performed during the Kadamb (Karam) festival in the month of August. This is one of the few dances in which women too are allowed to participate. The dancers form a circle and dance with their hands on each other's waists while passing on a branch of the tree to each other. After one complete circle of passing the Karma branch, it is washed with rice & milk. The branch is not allowed to touch the earth after these rituals and it is once again raised between the dancers.
Oraon Dance (Barao)	This dance is performed by the Oraon community generally in the month of Baisakh (April-May) in an Akhada or a performing area. Prayers are offered to Mother Earth for a good monsoon so that a rich harvest may be secured.
Jhitka & Danga	This dance is performed by men & women and the headgear & costumes worn are similar to those of the Paika dance. This dance expresses happiness & joy and celebrates different feudal traditions.
Lahasuya	This dance is generally performed by men and women especially when there is a drought. It is accompanied by the Dhol, Bansi, Madol, or Tumdak the double-sided barrel drum.
Domkach	This is a traditional dance performed by the women in the bridegroom's house when the 'Baraat' party has gone to the bride's house. Through satiric songs, they crack jokes while moving in circles.
Ghora naach	This dance is performed by men during wedding ceremonies wearing loose horse puppets around their waists and they dance to the rhythmic beats of the folk instruments.
Mundari dance (Jadur & Jena)	Munda tribes have their own dance which performed during harvest season and festivals accompanied by musical instruments Madal, Nagara, and Bansi. Munda refers to their dance and song as Durang and Susan respectively. Mundari folk dances are Jadur and Jena.
Kurukh dance (Dandi)	Kurukh tribe perform folk dances during different occasions such as harvesting, festivals, marriage, etc. In Kurukh, language dance is called 'Dandi'. Some folk dances are Jagra Matha, Jadur, Karam dandi, Khaddi, Dudhiya, etc.
Mardani Jhumar	It is a semi-martial art form performed by the men of the Nagpuri and Southern tribes. The musical instruments used for this dance are Dhol, Nagara, Shehnai, Kartha, and Jhanj. Some female dancers are known as Nachnis also join this dance along with the men.