Traditional Dances of Jharkhand
Traditional Dance of Jharkhand
Dance is an essential part of tribal life in Jharkhand—used in festivals, harvests, marriages, and community gatherings.
- Chhau Dance (Seraikela style)
- Semi-classical dance form, recognized internationally.
- Features elaborate masks, martial movements, and storytelling (mythology, nature).
- Usually performed by male dancers.
- Santhali Dance
- Performed by the Santhal tribe, especially during Tusu, Sohrai, and harvest festivals.
- Features: Line dancing, colorful traditional clothes, and instruments like Tamak and Tumdak.
- Paika Dance
- Martial dance performed by men with swords and shields.
- Popular among Munda and Oraon tribes.
- Symbolizes valor and heroism.
- Jadur Dance
- A magical, spiritual dance performed to ward off evil spirits.
- Performed during healing rituals or seasonal changes.
- Domkach
- A wedding dance performed by both men and women.
- Features playful and romantic themes, sometimes with humorous lyrics.
Musical Instruments of Jharkhand
- Mandar: A drum used in most tribal dances.
- Tumdak & Tamak: Traditional percussion instruments.
- Bansuri (flute) and Nagada also commonly used.
