Jharkhand is a kaleidoscopic land of culture. The land is a beautiful coexistence of natural wonders along with the people who inhabit it. Culture of Jharkhand is rich with the influence of different civilizations, various ways of life, traditions, and much more. This article will discuss a particular aspect of Jharkhand’s culture, i.e., folk dances of Jharkhand. Folk dance is a primitive attribute of India, and the different states of India boast about their contribution to India’s vast arena of folk culture. Without further ado, let us find out in detail about the various folk dances of Jharkhand. These dances have their stories and significance that make them a part of the rich folk culture of India.
Jharkhand houses various tribal groups. The tribals’ way of living is deeply connected with nature. The folk culture of the tribals is one of the main attractions of Jharkhand. The folk songs and folk dances of Jharkhand have a unique history.
Jhumair
The dance takes place in the formation of a human chain. Men mostly dance, and the dancers themselves sing the melodious tune accompanying the dance. The dancers move along in a circular shape all the time, holding each other’s hands. Jhumair is a treat for the eye. The colorful costumes are bright and enhance the mood of the performance. Musical instruments are also a vital part of the dance. Dhol, Kartal, bansuri, and sangi provide the tune to sway along in this folk dance. Jhumair is one of the most famous folk dances of Jharkhand. The dance is significant for its relation to the harvest season. Jhumair is a popular folk dance celebrating the happy life of the tribal folks of Jharkhand. Jhumair is sometimes performed by women also. When women dance the Jhumair, the name of the folk dance changes to Janani Jhumair, another form of Jhumair is called Mardana Jhumair. This version has a touch of martial arts in its moves.
Chhau Dance
Chhau dance takes place in an open field, primarily at night time. Etymologically Chhau comes from the Sanskrit word Chhaya which means shadow, image, shade, or mask. The main attraction of the Chhau dance is the mask that the dancers wear during the performance. The performers are both men and women who display strength through their powerful and bold dance moves. The dance dress is colorful, but the mask with its expressive, detailed work takes the spotlight. The different mask represents different characters, even figures of Gods. Chhau is also called nrithya natika, which means dance drama. The highly engaging music, rhythm, and beats accompanying the dance create a dramatic ambiance, especially with the field’s lanterns. The dance often falls in the description of to attack or hunt, adding to its dramatic effect. Chhau is a very traditional folk dance of Jharkhand and its neighboring states. The dance is not particular to any festival but is a part of every happy occasion. Different states have specific names for Chhau dance. Chhau dance is one of the most famous folk dances of India. The dance is renowned for its powerful moves and distinctive mask that is a quintessential part of Chhau. Jharkhand’s neighboring states Odisha and West Bengal, are also famous for indulging in the Chhau dance.
Paika
The music of this folk dance comes from the instruments of dhak, shehnai, and narsingh. The upbeat music and the bold dance moves are a joy to behold. In present days, Paika performances take place at weddings and during festive seasons. Another significant interpretation of the dance is to welcome special guests and during religious processions. The dance is exciting to behold. The dance has a high degree of martial arts that involves a lot of risks. Paikas originally were a group of soldiers serving and protecting the kingdom. The Paika dance is a ceremonial dance in which physical excitement and inner courage highlight the performance. The dancers wear colorful attires with a sword in one hand and a shield in the other. Headgears and chest plates are worn as safety measures. The entire attire of the dancers and the build-up to the performance lead to the ambiance of the preparation of war. The dance steps and the martial arts are a replica of the move soldiers perform on the battlefield. Paika is a unique dance form that is a combination of martial arts with other local dance steps. It is a dance form that requires male participation.
