The East Indian state of Bihar is well-known for its rich cultural heritage and music and dance play a huge role in adorning it. Even though, there is no classical dance form in the state, there are a huge number of renowned folk dances and music, which offers a glimpse of the rich culture. The folk dances are mainly seen in three different sections one of which is mainly based on the songs of poets, second which belongs to adivasis (tribal) and is close to nature, society, as well as rituals and the last one is the religious dances that are performed as a devotion to gods and goddesses. Some of the famous dance forms of Bihar are listed below. Karma Dance One of the most famous dance forms of the state is Karma Dance and has derived its name from the Karma tree which stands for fortune and good luck. The dance begins with the planting of the tree, followed by circular formations around it. This is a group dance, which is performed by both men and women folks forming a two-tiered structure and the movements are usually backward and forward, towards and away from each other. Each row of dancers sings and dances alternately to the accompaniment of the Mandur and Timki. Jhijhia Dance A prayer dance, Jhijhia Dance has its gneisses in the Koshi region of Bihar. This dance is performed mainly by young girls during droughts, when the land is dry and parched and there are no signs of clouds in the lifeless sky. Through this particular dance form, the young girls offer their prayers to the King of Gods, Lord Indra and they pray to the Lord of Rains for rain and a good crop. The words of the song “Haali Huli Barsaaun Inder Devta” depict the conviction and deep devotion of the dancers as they pray to their Lord. Chhau Dance The most famous dance form of the state is Chhau Dance, which has its origin in Seraikella Kharsawam region of Bihar. Originally a war dance to perfect fighting techniques, it has over the years evolved into a narrative ballet. This dance form is performed on the eve of the spring festival, every year, where the people in Seraikella celebrate with the colourful show of ‘Chhau’ performance. Paika Dance Another popular dance form of the region is Paika Dance, which is a form of martial arts dance that is performed in the tribal area of Mayurbhanj. The dance is performed with shields and swords that with dancers displaying their ability to control these weapons. Paika name is coined using the Sanskrit word 'Padatika' which means infantry. The dance is performed only during special occasions and is performed only by the male members of the community. The dances portray themselves as warriors and wear colorful turbans and tight dhotis during the performance. Kajari Dance Kajari Dance is as well a popular dance form of Bihar, which performed during the monsoon season on the month of ‘Shravan’ of the Hindu calendar. The dance is performed along with Kajari song which is a song that describes the monsoon season. Starting from the month of 'Shravan', the dance is performed till the time rainy season continues. The songs that accompanies the dance describes the sudden and pleasant change in the nature that has happened and also account the refreshing and relaxing feeling that people of the village feel.
