Tag: Jharkhand traditional festivals and related dances

Jharkhand’s tribal and folk traditions are a living testament to its deep-rooted cultural identity, where every dance, song, and performance tells a story of the land and its people. This comprehensive guide explores the diverse folk dances and vibrant folk theatre forms that define Jharkhand’s cultural ethos—such as Dodong, Tumgo, Firkal, and Sohray dances, as well as rich folk dramas like Jat-Jatin, Sama-Chakeva, and Domkach. From rituals and festivals to marriage celebrations and seasonal festivities, each art form holds deep social and religious significance. This blog breaks down the key features, performance styles, communities involved, and traditional occasions, while also highlighting exam-relevant facts frequently asked in JPSC, JSSC, and UPSC exams. If you’re preparing for competitive exams or simply want to understand Jharkhand’s cultural soul, this blog is your complete one-stop resource for 2025 and beyond.

Folk Songs of Jharkhand

Munda Tribe Folk Songs

• Doad – Marriage-related folk song
• Vir Seren – Songs related to forests
• Sohray Lagde, Minsar, Baha, Dasay, Patwar, Rija, Data, Dhaar, Matwar, Bhinsar, Golwari, Dhurumjak, Rinjho, Jhika – Associated with various seasonal and religious events
• Jadur – Sung during Sarhul/Baha festival
  • Gena and Ora Jadur – Complementary songs to Jadur
• Adandi – Another marriage-related folk song
• Japi – Hunting-related folk song
• Jarga, Karma – Celebrated during tribal rituals

Oraon Tribe Folk Songs

• Waa – Spring (Basant) folk song
• Hairo – Sung during paddy sowing
• Nomnama – Sung at the time of consuming new grains
• Sarhul – Spring/Basant song
• Jatra – Sung after Sarhul festival
• Karma – Sung after Jatra
• Other notable songs: Dhuriya, Asadhi, Jadura, Matha

Special Occasion-Based Folk Songs

• Jhanzhain – Sung by women during birth ceremonies
• Daidhara – Sung at shrines during monsoon
• Pratakli – Performed in the early morning
• Adhartiyaa – Performed in midnight hours
• Kajli – Rainy season folk song
• Andi – Sung by women during weddings
• Angai – Sung by women only
• Mar – Sung during festivals like Jitiya, Sohray, Karma, in Shumra Raga
• Udaasi & Pavas – Non-dance songs:
  • Udaasi – Sung in summer
  • Pavas – Sung at the beginning of monsoon
• Tunmuniya, Barahmasa, Jhalageet – Local forms related to Kajli genre

Important: Kajli, Andi, Udaasi, Pavas have been previously asked in competitive exams.

Folk Dances of Jharkhand

1. Chhau Dance – Most renowned folk dance of Jharkhand

• Literal meaning: Shadow
• Originated in Saraikela, later spread to Mayurbhanj (Odisha) and Purulia (West Bengal)
• Gained national and international acclaim
• A male-dominated, vigorous dance form
• First international performance: 1938 by Sudhendra Narayan Singh
• Performed before Mahatma Gandhi in 1941

Styles of Chhau:

• Saraikela Chhau (Oldest style) – Jharkhand
• Mayurbhanj Chhau – Odisha
• Purulia Chhau – West Bengal

Key Features:

• Use of masks (except in Mayurbhanj style)
• Represents mythological and historical stories
• Combines expression of emotion and narrative structure (unlike other dances)
• Mix of Tandava (vigorous) and Lasya (graceful) in Saraikela & Mayurbhanj
  • Purulia Chhau includes only Tandava
• Instruments & weapons reflect Veer Rasa
• Some dances like Kathorwa also use masks
• No dialogues – Only background music in Saraikela style
• Begins with Bhairav Vandana (Shiva prayer)
• Requires Guru’s presence during performances

UNESCO Recognition:

• In 2010, Chhau Dance was inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List
• In 2022, Prabhat Kumar Mahato performed it at the IPL closing ceremony in Ahmedabad

Key Chhau Centers in Jharkhand:

Center	Location	Year of Establishment
Saraikela Chhau Kendra	Saraikela	1960
Natraj Kala Kendra	Choga, Ichagarh, Saraikela-Kharsawan	2004
Manbhum Chhau Kendra	Silli	2011

Notable Chhau Gurus & Awards:

Name	Award Year
Sudhendra Narayan Singh	1991
Kedarnath Sahu	2005
Shyamcharan Pati	2006
Mangalacharan Mohanty	2009
Makardhwaj Darogha	2011
Pt. Gopal Prasad Dubey	2012
Guru Shashadhar Acharya	2020

2. Jadur Dance (Neer Susanko) – Performed by Oraon tribe

• Begins after Kolom Sing-Bonga Festival (Phagun) and continues till Sarhul Festival (Chaitra)
• Represents productivity, energy, and respect for motherland
• A co-ed circular dance performed in rhythm
• Women perform by running in circular paths in sync with rhythm and melody

3. Japi Dance

• Represents returning victorious from hunting
• Begins with Sarhul (Chaitra) and continues till Ashadhi Festival (Ashadha)
• A moderate-paced, co-ed group dance
• Women hold each other’s waists and dance, surrounded by male singers and musicians

Summary & Exam Highlights

• Chhau Dance – Most important and internationally recognized; UNESCO 2010
• Jadur & Japi dances – Key tribal dances of the Oraon tribe
• Kajli, Udaasi, Pavas, Andi – Frequently asked in Jharkhand State Competitive Exams
• Folk songs reflect – Agricultural seasons, marriage, hunting, festivals, social rituals
• Chhau Dance Gurus – Awards from 1991 to 2020
• Unique attribute of Chhau – Combines dance, story, emotions, and martial arts

1. Karama / Lahusa Dance

• Participants: 8 men and 8 women.
• Occasion: Performed during the Karama festival in a group setting.
• Formation: Men and women form a circle and dance facing each other while moving back and forth.
• Style: Performed in a bent posture.
• Songs: Accompanied by Lahusa songs.
• Types: Two types – Khemta and Bhinusari.

2. Buru Dance

• Fusion: A mix of Jadur and Karama dances.
• Occasion: Similar to Mage and Gena festival dances.

3. Paika Dance

• Meaning: Paika means foot soldiers.
• Nature: Vigorous and martial in tone.
• Attire: Dancers dress as soldiers with a sword in one hand and a shield in the other.
• Headgear: Decorated with colorful crests or peacock feathers.
• Type: War dance / Martial dance, devoid of songs.
• Features: Involves martial art techniques.
• Performers: Only male dancers, in pairs of 5, 7, or 9.
• Communities: Practiced by both Adivasi and Sadan communities.
• Tribe: Most popular among the Munda tribe.
• Recognition: Performed under Dr. Ramdayal Munda at Festival of India (Russia, 1987); widely appreciated.
• Notable Artists: Shivshankar Mahto, Ramprasad Mahli, Ashok Kachhap.

4. Jatra Dance

• Also Known As: Kuading Dance.
• Community: Performed by the Oraon tribe.
• Formation: Men and women dance in circular or semi-circular patterns, holding hands.

5. Natua Dance

• Nature: Male-dominated dance.
• Theme: Men dress as women and perform.

6. Nachni Dance

• Type: A professional dance form.
• Occasion: Celebrated during Kartik Purnima.
• Roles: Female Nachni dances with male Rasik.

7. Kali Dance

• Male-centric dance with a central female dancer (Kali).
• Appearance: Kali wears elaborate ornaments and a crown (mukut).
• Symbolism: Represents the blooming of flowers and beauty.
• Themes: Based on Radha-Krishna love songs.
• Instruments: Nagara, Dhaak, Dhol, Mandar, Shehnai.

8. Agni Dance

• Type: A religious dance.
• Purpose: Devoted to worship of ‘Sheel’.
• Occasion: Performed during Manda or Bipoo Puja.

9. Manda / Bhagatia Dance

• Gender: Male dance, includes all age groups.
• Rituals: Women carry water in pots and purify dancers with mango leaves.
• Music: No singing, only instrumental – Dhaak, Nagara, Shehnai.
• Deity: Devotional dance for Lord Shiva.
• Nature: Performed with sattvik (pure) emotions.

10. Matha Dance

• Festival: Performed during Sohrai.
• Participants: Predominantly male, though women also participate in Oraon tribe.
• Communities: Practiced by Adivasi and Sadan communities.

11. Jhumar Dance

• Occasion: During harvest season and also weddings/festivals.
• Nature: Female-dominated group dance.
• Formation: Performed in a circle.

Types of Jhumar:

(a) Kariya Jhumar

• Female-oriented; dancers hold hands and move in circles.

(b) Udhua Jhumar

• Characterized by intense expressions.

(c) Raski Jhumar

• Performed at high speed and full of romantic energy.

(d) Pahil Sanjha Jhumar

• Performed in the early night hours, slow to medium speed.

(e) Adh Ratiya Jhumar

• Midnight dance with intense rhythm.

(f) Bhinsariya Jhumar

• Performed in the early morning hours at medium tempo.

12. Mardani Jhumar Dance

• Male-dominated dance.
• Feature: Includes singing of powerful songs by a chorus.

13. Thadiya Dance

• Type: Similar to Jhumar.
• Style: Danced in upright posture, hence the name “Thadiya” (standing).
• Participants: Both men and women.

14. Angnai Dance

• Female-centric, though sometimes men also participate.
• Occasion: Mostly performed during Karama and Jitiya festivals.

15. Luhari Dance

• Style: Swaying movement during Jhumar.
• Participants: Both genders.
• Also Known As: Luhakua Dance.
• Type: A style of Angnai dance.

16. Dadra Dhara Dance

• Male-dominated Jhumar variant.
• Formation: Dancers hold each other’s waist, forming lines.
• Technique: Includes expressive hand, foot, and body movements with rhythm.

17. Kathorwa Dance

• Gender: Male-only.
• Feature: Dancers wear masks during performance.

Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams (Highlighted Facts)

• Karama / Lahusa Dance: Performed during Karama festival, 8 males & 8 females
• Paika Dance: Martial dance by Munda tribe, swords & shields used
• Jatra Dance: Performed by Oraon tribe
• Natua Dance: Males dress as females
• Agni Dance: Worship of ‘Sheel’ deity
• Jhumar Dance: Female-dominated, performed during harvest
• Kariya Jhumar: Prominent female variant of Jhumar

Mundari Dance (Munda Tribe)

• Performed by the Munda tribe.
• Dancers wear colorful traditional attire.
• Major types include: Jadur, Orjadur, Neerjadur, Chitid, Japi, Gena, Chhav, Baru, Jali.

Gena Dance:

• Women hold each other’s waists and dance in rows.
• Symbolizes enthusiasm after victory.

Japi Dance:

• A group dance involving both men and women.
• Dancers, musicians, and singers are encircled by women.
• Women sing the final line of the songs initiated by men.
• Celebrates successful hunting expeditions.

Chitid Dance

• A female-dominated dance.
• Known for its hand gestures (joined hands) and distinctive footwork.
• Performed during Karama and Jarga festivals in traditional village squares (Akhra).
• Includes devotional songs.
• It is a worship dance.

Gaung Dance (Ho Tribe)

• Popular among the Ho tribe.

Mage/Maghe Dance (Ho Tribe)

• A group dance with both men and women participating.
• Celebrated during the Magh Purnima.
• Singers and musicians are surrounded by dancers.

Langde Dance (Santhal Tribe)

• Performed by the Santhal tribe.
• Celebrated during festivals or joyous events.

Baha Dance (Santhal Tribe)

• Celebrated during Baha (Sarhul) festival.
• Includes use of Sal and Mahua fruits.
• Performed at Jaher or Sarna (sacred groves).
  ✓ Asked in Jharkhand exams.

Ba Dance (Ho Tribe)

• One of the main dances of the Ho tribe.
• Celebrated during Sarhul festival.
• Both men and women perform this dance.

Dahar Dance (Santhal Tribe)

• Performed on roads, mainly during Magha Bonga festival (Magh month).
• Men and women participate together.
• Instruments used: Mandar, Nagara, Turhi, Dhang, Bell.
• Performed in the village Akhra.
• Also known as Langde Dance.

Dasai Dance

• Conducted five days before Dussehra.
• Male dancers dress like women and dance with musical instruments.
• Instruments include:
  • Bhuang (made from dried gourd),
  • Thali (metal plate),
  • Bell.
• Begins with mourning cries (“Hai Re Hai”) and ends with “Dehel-Dehel” (signifying victory).
• Originated during the time when tribal freedom fighters were captured and men disguised as women searched for them.
• Starts with prayers to Goddess Durga.

Dasain Dance (Santhal Tribe)

• Celebrated during Dussehra.
• Men dress in women’s attire and dance in courtyards.
• Performed from the first day of Dussehra to Vijayadashami.
• Dancers collect grains from households.
• Instrument used: Kartal (clapper).
  ✓ Asked in Jharkhand exams.

Hero Dance

• Performed after rice sowing.
• Both men and women participate using traditional instruments.
  ✓ Asked in Jharkhand exams.

Domkach Dance

• Performed during weddings, particularly in the courtyards of the bride and groom’s house before the wedding.
• Mainly a female-centric dance.
• Two groups of women:
  • One sings the initial lines.
  • The other repeats the chorus.
• Instruments used: Shehnai, Bansuri, Mandar, Dhol, Nagara, Thechuka, Kartal, Jhanj, etc.
• Variants include: Jashpuriya, Asamiya, Jhumta.
  ✓ Asked in Jharkhand exams.

Horse Dance (Ghoda Dance)

• Performed during fairs, festivals, and wedding processions.
• Dancers craft a legless horse figure using bamboo wheels.
• Carry reins in one hand and a sword in the other.
• Famous exponent: Pandey Durganath Rai from Nagpuri region.
  ✓ Asked in Jharkhand exams.

Jarga Dance

• Celebrated in Magh month.
• Women perform this dance collectively.
• Known for footwork precision.

Orjarga Dance

• Performed alongside Jarga dance.
• Women dance in a square formation with fast movements.
• Men perform singing and instrumental roles in the center.

Sohrai Dance

• Dedicated to domestic animals.
• Conducted on the second day after Diwali.
• Women sing Chumawadi songs.
  ✓ Asked in Jharkhand exams.
• Men sing Gram-jamaw songs while dancing.
• Performed from house to house and in open areas.

Angnai Dance (Sadan Communities)

• A religious dance performed during worship ceremonies.
• Common among Sadan (non-tribal) communities.
• Types include:
  • Chadhnatari,
  • Rasleela,
  • Thadia,
  • Khemta.

Jomanma Dance

• Performed to celebrate the joy of harvesting new grains.
• Both men and women dance in groups.
• Instruments used: Mandar, Nagara, Banam.

Gena and Japid Dance

• Women form a line to dance together, while men dance freely.
• Men also play musical instruments during the performance.

Tusu Dance

• Women-centric dance, performed during Makar Sankranti.
• Women float a symbolic idol of Tusu (Chaudal) in water.
• The dance is done collectively by women.

Raas Dance

• Performed on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.
• Women dance in the center while men sing, play instruments, and accompany them.

Racha Dance (also known as Baraya, Khadia dance)

• Especially popular in the south-western region of Khunti district.
• In the first phase, women move toward men, who step back.
• In the second phase, men sing while women are rhythmically sent back.
• Instruments: Mandar and bells.

Dhuria Dance

• Popular among the Oraon tribe.
• Celebrated after sowing seeds and seasonal changes in the fields.
• Dancers kick up dust while dancing, symbolizing the change.
• Accompanied by Mandar beats.

Kali Dance

• Women-only dance, with performers wearing make-up and crowns.
• Focuses on Radha-Krishna romantic themes.
• Also known as Nachni-Kheladi dance.

Doha Dance

• Practiced by the Santhal tribe.
• Performed during wedding ceremonies at both bride and groom’s houses.
• Also called Daram-Dah dance.

Donged Dance

• Male-dominated dance of the Santhal tribe.
• Performed in the forest during group hunting.
• Use of musical instruments is common.

Sankatulya Sansay Dance

• Performed on Dussehra, inside the Guru Griha (teacher’s house).
• Associated with mantra learning and occult practices.
• Men dress as women, wear female ornaments, and perform.
• Instruments: Fire, Nagara, Dank, Flute, Turhi, Banam.

Dosami Dance

• Performed in Aghan month at the Jaher (sacred grove) site.
• Instruments used: Mandar, Nagara, Tamak, Bell.
• The Langre song is sung during the dance.

Sakrat Dance

• Common among the Santhal tribe.
• Celebrated in Poush month, following a doorframe worship ritual.
• Both men and women participate.

Halka Dance

• Both men and women participate in separate groups.
• Singing and dancing are combined.
• Ends with dancers striking the ground with feet to lighten the body.
• Paad songs are sung during the performance.
• The second group only dances after the first finishes.

Doyor Dance

• A form of Halka dance.
• Dancers carry a stick on their shoulders.
• Movement is done in a snake-like (serpentine) motion.

Phagua Dance

• Male-dominated dance of the Phalgun-Chaitra seasonal junction.
• Celebrated during Holi or Basant Utsav.
• Instruments: Shehnai, Flute, Murli, Dhol, Nagara, Karha, Dank, Mandar.
• Variants:
  • Panchrangi Phagua: Changes raag (melody) with every stanza.
  • Phagua Puchhari: Two groups engage in melodic Q&A format.

Kadsa Dance

• Performed while carrying Kalash (sacred pots).
• Female-centric dance.
• Women carry pots on heads or shoulders and dance.
• Men do not dance but play instruments.
• Performed during festivals or welcoming guests.

Maitkodh and Padkatna Dance

• Performed during pre-wedding rituals like digging clay or fetching water.
• Two women hold each other’s waists and dance.
• Only instruments are played; no songs are sung.

Hariyo Dance

• Youth group (Jatra) dance.
• Men and women dance together in a circle at high speed.

Kinbhar Dance

• Performed from Phalgun to Baisakh.
• Held in home courtyards.
• Dancers chant “Ho Hare Hai Re” while performing.

Jeth Lahsua Dance

• Performed on nights in Jeth month.
• Held at Akhra ground.
• Participated by Kharia tribe’s youth (both genders).

Phaggu Khadi Dance

• Performed while awaiting Sarhul festival.
• Begins in Phalgun.
• Ends with the sound of “Hurrey” being chanted.

Exam-Important Folk Dances of Jharkhand

These dances are frequently asked in competitive exams in Jharkhand and other cultural awareness tests:

• Tusu Dance
• Raas Dance
• Dhuria Dance
• Doha (Daram-Dah) Dance
• Phagua Dance
• Kadsa Dance
• Sankatulya Sansay Dance
• Dosami Dance
• Sakrat Dance
• Jeth Lahsua Dance
• Phaggu Khadi Dance

Dodong Dance

• Performed in two rows with dancers standing side by side.
• It is a variant of the Jadur dance.
• Practiced among Munda and Sadan communities.
• Mandar (drum) plays a key role in this dance.
• The phrase ‘Kheil lajhar lajhair’ is chanted.
• Also known as Javira dance. (Important for exams)

Tumgo Dance

• Performed after the Karama festival concludes.
• People of all age groups participate.
• Mandar is played during the performance.
• Dancers move forward while holding each other’s arms, chanting ‘Chala Haare Haare’.

Phirkal Dance

• Known as Jharkhand’s Kalaripayattu – a martial-style dance. (Exam-relevant fact)
• Inspired by Kerala’s Kalaripayattu martial art.
• Found in Janumdeeh (Jamshedpur).
• The dance is in a revival phase.
• Performed by the Bhumij community, seen as a symbol of their glorious past.

Sohrai Dance

• Involves worship of cattle sheds (goshalas).
• Males sing ‘Gaon Jamav’ songs; females sing ‘Chumavdi’ songs.
• Also found in Janumdeeh (Jamshedpur) and associated with the Bhumij community.
• The dance is considered a mark of ethnic pride.

Important Months Associated with Major Dances

Dance	Month / Festival
Jadur Dance	Phagun to Chaitra (Sarhul)
Japi Dance	Chaitra to Ashadh
Karama Dance	Ashadh to Bhadon, Kartik
Sohrai	Kartik
Magh Parv	Kartik to Phagun

Classification by Performer Gender

Male-Dominated Dances

• Chad
• Paika
• Natua
• Phirkal
• Kathorba
• Mardani Jhumar
• Dasai
• Dainddhara
• Dasay
• Manda
• Fagua
• Hunta
• Raas

Female-Dominated Dances

• Umkach
• Angnai
• Kariya
• Janani Jhumar
• Dush
• Kali
• Gena
• Jarga

Mixed (Male & Female) Dances

• Jomnama Maghe
• Nachni
• Sakraw
• Karma or Raya
• Hero
• Hario
• Halka
• Jatra
• Japi
• Jadur
• Thadhiya

Folk Theatres of Jharkhand

1. Jat-Jatin

• Performed annually from Shravan to Kartik.
• Acted by unmarried girls.
• Depicts marital life of Jat and Jatin. (Frequently asked in exams)

2. Bhakuli-Banka

• Also performed between Shravan to Kartik.
• Often showcased alongside Jat-Jatin.
• Represents the conjugal life of Bhakuli (wife) and Banka (husband).

3. Sama-Chakeva

• Staged from Saptami to Purnima of Kartik Shukla Paksha.
• Earthen idols are made; young girls act on their behalf.
• Main characters:
  • Sama (heroine)
  • Chakeva (hero)
  • Chudak/Chugla (villain)
  • Samba (Sama’s brother)
• Based on sacred sibling bond.
• Presented through question-answer styled group songs.

4. Domkach

• A female-only household folk drama, mainly for weddings and festive occasions.
• Known for humor, satire, and even suggestive expressions/dialogues.
• Not performed publicly; men are forbidden to watch.

5. Lok

• A night-long folk theatre organized during weddings or social events.

6. Kirtaniya

• Enacted through songs glorifying Lord Krishna’s divine plays (leelas).

Exam Tips and Key Highlights

• Javira, Phirkal, Sama-Chakeva, and Jat-Jatin are frequently asked in Jharkhand State Exams.
• Bhumij community prominently practices Phirkal and Sohrai dances.
• The Mandar drum is essential in multiple dances (Dodong, Tumgo).
• Female-exclusive folk theatre like Domkach may be asked under gender-specific cultural traditions.