Famous Folk Dances of Jharkhand झारखण्ड के प्रमुख लोकनृत्य

Major Folk Dances of Jharkhand

Folk dances occupy a special place in the art and culture of Jharkhand. Different tribal communities perform traditional dances during festivals, agricultural activities, religious ceremonies, and social occasions. Each folk dance has its own unique style, costumes, music, and cultural significance, reflecting the rich heritage and traditions of the state.

1. Paika Dance

• Paika is a traditional martial folk dance symbolizing bravery and warfare.
• Dancers wear warrior costumes with turbans decorated with plumes or peacock feathers.
• They carry a sword in one hand and a shield in the other.
• The dance showcases martial arts and traditional combat skills.
• It is mainly performed by men.
• It is especially popular among the Munda tribe.

2. Jadur Dance

• Jadur is performed by the Oraon tribe.
• It is a group dance performed by both men and women.
• It is also known as "Neer Susanko."
• The dance begins after the Kolom Sing-Bonga festival and continues until the Sarhul festival.
• It symbolizes fertility, vitality, and respect for the motherland.

3. Chhau Dance

Chhau is the most famous folk dance of Jharkhand. It originated in the Saraikela region and later spread to Mayurbhanj (Odisha) and Purulia (West Bengal).

• It is predominantly a male dance form.
• There are three major styles of Chhau:
  • Saraikela Chhau (Jharkhand) – the oldest style
  • Mayurbhanj Chhau (Odisha)
  • Purulia Chhau (West Bengal)
• Its first international performance was given by Sudhendu Narayan Singh in 1938.
• It is a mask-based dance form.
• The presence of a Guru (master) is considered essential during the performance.
• The dance mainly expresses the emotions of heroism (Veer Rasa) and romance (Shringar Rasa).
• In 2010, UNESCO inscribed Chhau Dance on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

4. Japi Dance

• Performed to celebrate victory after a successful hunt.
• It is performed from the Sarhul festival until the Ashadhi festival.
• It is a medium-paced group dance.
• Women dance while holding each other's waists.

5. Jatra Dance

• Jatra is a traditional group dance of the Oraon tribe.
• Both men and women participate.
• Dancers hold hands and perform in circular or semi-circular formations.
• It symbolizes unity, cooperation, and social harmony.

6. Natua Dance

• Natua is a male-dominated folk dance.
• Male performers dress in female attire while performing.
• It is associated with entertainment and folk theatre traditions.

7. Karma (Lahsua) Dance

• It has two major forms: Khemta and Bhinusari.
• It is performed collectively during the Karma festival.
• Eight men and eight women participate in the dance.
• Men and women dance in semi-circular formations.
• The traditional Lahsua Song is sung during the performance.

8. Jhumar Dance

• Jhumar is primarily a women-oriented folk dance.
• It is performed during harvest celebrations and festivals.
• It is also performed during weddings and other social occasions.
• The dancers perform collectively in circular formations.

Major Types of Jhumar Dance

Type	Special Feature
Karia Jhumar	Women-oriented Jhumar
Udhaua Jhumar	Serious and graceful style
Raskirra Jhumar	Fast-paced Jhumar
Pahil Sanjha Jhumar	Performed during the evening
Adhratiya Jhumar	Performed at midnight
Bhinsariya Jhumar	Performed at dawn

9. Domkach Dance

• Domkach is one of the most popular folk dances performed during marriage ceremonies in Jharkhand.
• It is primarily performed by women.
• Two groups of women sing songs alternately while dancing.
• Family members and neighbours actively participate in the celebration.
• Traditional musical instruments such as the Shehnai, Flute, Mandar, Dhol, Nagara, Kartal, and Jhanjh are played during the performance.

10. Daindhara Dance

• Daindhara is a male-oriented form of Jhumar dance.
• It is performed during the Mardani Jhumar.
• Dancers hold each other's waists and perform in a straight line.

11. Japi Dance

• It is a group dance performed by both men and women.
• Dancers, musicians, and singers remain around the performing group.
• Women sing the concluding lines of the songs.
• The dance symbolizes the joy of returning victorious from hunting.

12. Angnai Dance

• Angnai is a women-oriented folk dance.
• Men also participate on certain occasions.
• It is especially performed during the Karma and Jitiya festivals.

13. Kathorwa Dance

• Kathorwa is a male-dominated folk dance.
• The performers wear masks during the performance.
• The dance prominently incorporates elements of folk theatre and acting.

14. Langde Dance

• Langde is a traditional folk dance of the Santhal tribe.
• It is performed during celebrations, festivals, and other social occasions.
• The dance symbolizes collective joy and community spirit.

15. Dahar Dance

• Dahar is a famous folk dance of the Santhal tribe performed during the Magh Bonga festival.
• Both men and women participate collectively.
• Musical instruments such as the Mandar, Nagara, Dhank, Bell, and Trumpet (Turhi) are used.
• It is also known as the Langde Dance.

16. Ba Dance

• Ba is an important folk dance of the Ho tribe.
• It is performed during the Sarhul festival.
• Both men and women participate in the performance.

17. Nachni Dance

• Nachni Dance is specially performed on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.
• It is a professional folk dance.
• The female performer is known as the Nachni, while the male performer is called the Rasik.

18. Hero Dance

• Hero Dance is performed after the sowing of paddy.
• Both men and women participate.
• It is presented collectively with traditional musical instruments.

19. Sohrai Dance

• Sohrai Dance is associated with cattle worship and agricultural prosperity.
• It is generally performed on the day following Diwali.
• Women sing traditional Chumawadi Songs.
• Groups of men visit houses performing songs and dances.

20. Tusu Dance

• Tusu Dance is performed during the festival of Makar Sankranti.
• The symbolic idol known as Chaudal is ceremonially immersed.
• It is predominantly a women-oriented folk dance.
• Women perform songs and dances collectively.

21. Angnai Dance

• This dance is performed on religious occasions.
• It is mainly prevalent among the Sadan community.

22. Gena Dance

• Gena Dance symbolizes victory and enthusiasm.
• Women place their hands around each other's waists and dance in a line.
• It is performed as a traditional group dance.

23. Mundari Dance

• Mundari Dance is traditionally performed by the Munda tribe.
• Dancers wear colourful traditional costumes.
• Its major forms include:
  • Jadur
  • Ora Jadur
  • Neer Jadur
  • Chitid
  • Japi
  • Gena
  • Chhau
  • Baru
  • Jali

24. Kali Dance

• Kali Dance is male-dominated, although the central performer is a female dancer known as Kali.
• The dancer wears elaborate ornaments and a decorative crown.
• Kali symbolizes the beauty of a blossoming flower.
• The songs are mainly based on the love episodes of Radha and Krishna.
• Musical instruments such as the Nagara, Dhol, Mandar, and Shehnai are used.

25. Ras Dance

• Ras Dance is performed on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.
• Women dance among male dancers and singers.
• It is associated with devotion and cultural traditions.

26. Jomnama Dance

• Jomnama Dance is performed to celebrate the consumption of the newly harvested crop.
• Both men and women participate collectively.
• Traditional musical instruments such as the Mandar, Nagara, and Banam are played during the performance.

27. Jarga Dance

• Jarga Dance is performed during the month of Magh.
• It is mainly performed collectively by women.
• Its most distinctive feature is its unique footwork.

28. Horse Dance (Ghoda Dance)

• It is performed during fairs, festivals, and wedding processions.
• The performer wears a bamboo-made horse costume.
• A rein is held in one hand and a sword in the other.

29. Dasai Dance

• Dasai Dance is performed for five days before the festival of Dussehra.
• Male performers dress in female attire.
• Peacock feathers are an important part of the costume.
• The performance begins with the worship of Goddess Durga.
• It concludes with songs symbolizing victory and celebration.

30. Baha Dance

• Baha Dance is performed by the Santhal tribe during the Baha (Sarhul) festival.
• Sal and Mahua flowers are prominently used in the celebration.
• The dance is performed at the Jaher or Sarna sacred grove.

31. Mage Dance

• Mage Dance is a major group dance of the Ho tribe.
• It is performed on the occasion of Magh Purnima.
• Both men and women participate.
• Singers and musicians remain around the dancers during the performance.

32. Gong Dance

• Gong Dance is popular among the Ho tribe.
• It is performed during community gatherings and cultural celebrations.

33. Matha Dance

• Matha Dance is performed during the Sohrai festival.
• It is mainly considered a male-oriented folk dance.
• Among the Oraon community, women also participate.
• It is popular among both tribal and Sadan communities.

34. Agni Dance

• Agni Dance is associated with Sheel Puja.
• It is a religious folk dance.
• It is performed during the Manda or Bishu festivals.

35. Thadiya Dance

• Thadiya Dance resembles the style of Jhumar.
• It is performed in an upright standing posture.
• Both men and women participate.

36. Lujhari Dance

• Lujhari Dance is considered a style of Jhumar.
• It is performed by both men and women.

37. Manda Dance (Bhagatia Dance)

• Manda Dance is mainly performed by men, ranging from children to elderly participants.
• During the performance, women bless the dancers by carrying water-filled pots.
• No songs are sung; only traditional musical instruments are played.
• The dance is associated with the worship of Lord Shiva (Mahadev).

38. Kali Dance

• Kali Dance is a popular folk dance performed by women.
• The dancers wear elaborate ornaments and decorative crowns.
• The songs are mainly based on the love episodes of Radha and Krishna.
• It is also known as Nachni-Khelri Dance.

39. Sakrat Dance

• Sakrat Dance is popular among the Santhal tribe.
• It is performed during the month of Paush.
• The threshold of the house is worshipped before the dance begins.
• Both men and women participate.

40. Donged Dance

• Donged is a male-dominated folk dance of the Santhal tribe.
• It is performed in forests during collective hunting expeditions.
• Traditional musical instruments play an important role in the performance.

41. Halka Dance

• Both men and women perform Halka Dance in separate groups.
• One group performs after the other completes its presentation.
• The traditional Padu Song is sung during the performance.

42. Dhudiya Dance

• Dhudiya is a popular folk dance of the Oraon tribe.
• It is performed after sowing seeds, during the change of season.
• The dance derives its name from the dust (Dhool) that rises from the fields during the performance.
• It is performed collectively to the rhythm of the Mandar drum.

43. Doha Dance

• Doha Dance is also known as Daram-Da Dance.
• It is mainly practiced by the Santhal tribe.
• The dance is performed during marriage ceremonies by both the bride's and groom's families.

44. Dhudiya Dance

• It is popularly known as the "Dust Dance".
• It is performed after the Sarhul festival.

45. Kalsa Dance

• Kalsa Dance is a women-oriented folk dance performed while carrying earthen pots (Kalash).
• Women balance decorated pots on their heads or shoulders while dancing.
• Men only play the musical instruments.
• It is performed during festivals and to welcome guests.

46. Phagua Dance

• Phagua Dance is performed during the Spring Festival and Holi.
• It is a male-dominated dance performed during the transition from the month of Phalguna to Chaitra.
• Traditional instruments such as the Shehnai, Flute, Dhol, Nagara, Karah, Dhank, and Mandar are used.

47. Tusgo Dance

• Tusgo Dance is performed after the conclusion of the Karma festival.
• People of all age groups participate.
• It is performed collectively to the beats of the Mandar drum.
• Dancers move forward while holding each other's arms.

48. Maitkod and Painkatan Dance

• This dance is associated with the pre-wedding rituals of digging soil and fetching water.
• Women dance while holding each other's waists.
• No songs are sung during the performance; only traditional musical instruments are played.

49. Hariyo Dance

• Hariyo is a Jatra dance performed mainly by the youth.
• Both men and women participate.
• The dancers perform in a fast-moving circular formation.

Important Facts for Competitive Exams

Dance	Special Feature
Domkach	Marriage Dance
Hero	Performed after paddy sowing
Sohrai	Cattle Worship
Tusu	Makar Sankranti Festival
Jomnama	New Harvest Celebration
Kali Dance	Women-oriented, based on Radha-Krishna themes
Doha Dance	Marriage Ceremony
Dasai Dance	Dussehra & Guru-Disciple Tradition
Phagua Dance	Holi & Spring Festival
Kalsa Dance	Women dance carrying decorated pots
Dhudiya Dance	Performed after the Sarhul Festival
Tusgo Dance	Performed after the Karma Festival

MCQs – Major Folk Dances of Jharkhand