Jharkhand is home to a variety of tribal communities. The tribals’ way of life is inextricably linked to nature. Jharkhand’s tribal folk culture is one of the state’s key draws. Jharkhand’s folk songs and dances have a distinct heritage. The 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., the 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. Read the entire below article to know more about the Folk Dances of Jharkhand with Pictures.
Table of Contents
Important Folk Dances of Jharkhand
You should check the below table of the Important Folk Dances of Jharkhand.
| Dance | Description |
| Karma Dance | Karma Dance is a traditional folk dance form performed in the eastern Indian states of Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha. It is typically associated with the Karma festival and is performed by tribal communities. |
| Jhumair Dance | Jhumair Dance is a popular folk dance from the state of Jharkhand in India. It is performed by both men and women and is characterized by energetic movements, swift footwork, and graceful hand gestures. |
| Phagua Dance | Phagua Dance, also known as Holi Dance, is a vibrant folk dance performed during the festival of Holi in the northern parts of India. Participants smear colored powders on each other, sing and dance to traditional Holi songs, and celebrate the arrival of spring. |
| Paika Dance | Paika Dance is a martial dance form originating from the eastern Indian state of Odisha. It is performed by the Paikas, traditional warrior communities. The dance incorporates various fighting movements, acrobatics, and the rhythmic beats of indigenous instruments. |
| Hunta Dance | Hunta Dance is a lively folk dance from the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, a state in northern India. It is performed during festivals and celebrations. The dance involves synchronized footwork, quick spins, and intricate hand movements, accompanied by traditional music and singing. |
Folk Dances of Jharkhand with Pictures
Jharkhand is a kaleidoscopic land of culture. The land is a beautiful coexistence of natural wonders along with the people who inhabit it, Here we’ve provided several folk dances of Jharkhand with Pictures below.
Jhumair
Jhumair is one of Jharkhand’s most well-known folk dances. The dance is notable because of its connection to the harvest season. Jhumair is a traditional folk dance that celebrates the good lives of Jharkhand’s tribal people.
The dance is performed in the form of a human chain. Men typically dance, and the dancers sing the melodic music that goes with the dance. The dancers always move in a circular pattern, holding each other’s hands.
Chhau Dance
Chhau dance is one of India’s most well-known traditional dances. The dance is famous for its forceful steps and distinctive mask, which is a fundamental component of Chhau. Jharkhand’s neighboring states, Odisha and West Bengal, are likewise well-known for their Chhau dance.
Chhau dance is performed in an open field, primarily at night. Chhau is derived from the Sanskrit word Chhaya, which means shadow, picture, shade, or mask. The mask that the dancers wear during the performance is the main attraction of the Chhau dance.
Paika
Paika is a unique dance genre that combines martial arts with other traditional dance steps. It is a form of dance that requires male participation. The dance is thrilling to watch. The dance has a strong martial arts influence and is fraught with danger. Paikas were initially a troop of soldiers that served and protected the kingdom. The Paika dance is a ceremonial dance that emphasizes physical exhilaration and inner courage. The dancers are dressed colorfully and hold a sword and a shield in one hand.
Domkach
Domakch is a folk dance that is performed as part of wedding ceremonies. This dance is generally performed by women on their way to the bridegroom’s house at the baraat.
Domkach is a lively and upbeat folk dance. The music accompanying the dance is also upbeat. The women that take part in the hop sing for themselves. The song’s lyrics are quite satirical. They make jokes while moving in circles. Both men and women dress up in colourful outfits.
Karam Dance
The name Karam derives from the sacred tree Kadamba. People consider the Kadamba tree to be a sign of prosperity and good fortune.
The adoration and planting of the Kadamba tree are symbolized by the Karam dance. Men and women dancers make a circle with their hands around each other’s waists. They sway to the rhythm as they pass a branch of the Kadamba tree. They bathe the Kadamba branch with grains and milk after completing a circuit around it.
Hunta Dance
Hunta dance is the hunting dance of the Santhals of Chotanagpur’s high plateaus. The dance is a representation of the Santhals’ strength, solidarity, and pride. This dance is performed by both men and women. They dress up in colourful costumes and synchronize the colour of their gowns and dance motions in a very unique way. Men wear dhotis and turbans, and ladies wear traditional sarees. They are all decked out in branches, leaves, and flowers. The Santhals are very devoted to nature, and their clothing reflects their values.
Phagua Dance
Phagua dance is another traditional folk dance of Jharkhand, and it is an essential part of the Holi festival. Holi is a lively festival in and of itself. The Phagua dance adds excitement to the colourful celebration. Previously, only men took part in the dance. This dance has recently been performed by both men and women. The dancers move freely to the sweet music of the instruments. The principal instruments of the Phagua dance are the mandar, dhol, and bansi. The dancers pelt each other with gulaal and coloured water.
Folk Dances of Jharkhand FAQs
Jharkhand is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant folk dances. Some popular folk dances of Jharkhand include Chhau, Paika, Jhumar, Santhal, Domkach, Mundari, Karma, and Phagua.
Chhau is a traditional folk dance form of Jharkhand that originated as a martial art form. It is characterized by vigorous movements, acrobatics, and colorful masks. Chhau dance is performed during festivals and special occasions.
Domkach is a traditional folk dance of the Dom community in Jharkhand. It is a celebratory dance form performed during weddings and other festive occasions. Domkach dance involves rhythmic movements, clapping, and singing.
Karma dance is a popular tribal folk dance of Jharkhand, performed by the Karma community. It is performed during the Karma festival, which is celebrated to worship the deity of fate and destiny. Karma dance involves circular movements, singing, and rhythmic beats.
Folk dances in Jharkhand hold immense cultural and social significance. They reflect the traditions, rituals, and daily life of the various tribal communities in the region. These dances are a means of preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Jharkhand.
