In the culturally rich region of Mithila, the Jhijhiya dance comes to life during the festival of Dussehra, dedicated to Durga Bhairavi (Goddess Durga), the goddess of victory.
This traditional folk dance, deeply cherished by the people of Mithila, is marked by the vibrant participation of young girls and women, who celebrate their devotion with unmatched enthusiasm.
As the air turns crisp with the onset of autumn, the sounds of folk songs echo through the villages, bringing women together to perform this enchanting dance.
What makes Jhijhiya so unique is the sight of these women balancing pots with burning lamps on their heads. The pots, beautifully adorned with intricate holes, emit a radiant glow as the women dance gracefully beneath the night sky.
Page Index
- Dance of Unity
- Prayer for Goodwill and Transformation
- Dance for Prosperity
- Ritual of Jhijhiya Dance
- Preserving The Cultural Treasures
- Rhythms & Songs of Jhijhiya
- FAQs
- What is Jhijhiya Dance, and where is it performed?
- Who participates in the Jhijhiya Dance?
- What is the significance of the burning lamps in the pots?
- Can you explain the origin myth associated with Jhijhiya?
- How is Jhijhiya performed during the Dussehra festival?
- What messages are conveyed through Jhijhiya songs?
- How does Jhijhiya relate to agriculture and prayers for a good harvest?
- Can you describe the lanterns used in the Jhijhiya dance?
- What efforts are needed to preserve and promote folk dances like Jhijhiya?
- Besides Dussehra, are there any specific festivals or occasions when Jhijhiya is performed?
Dance of Unity
The Jhijhiya dance embodies harmony, grace, and centuries-old tradition. The dancers form a circle, moving in unison, while the central figure stands out, captivating the audience.
Each dancer balances a pot with hundreds of holes, carefully designed to let the lamp’s light shine through. Another lamp sits atop the pot’s lid, creating a dazzling visual.
Despite the complexity of the dance, the women manage to perform without using their hands to support the pot on their heads. The dancers’ synchronized steps, claps, and turns make for a mesmerizing performance, seamlessly blending elegance with precision.
Prayer for Goodwill and Transformation
Jhijhiya is not just a dance but a medium through which women voice their prayers and concerns. It’s a plea to the divine, urging the eradication of societal evils and the spread of goodwill.
Through song and dance, these women express their yearning for positive change, asking the deities to purify polluted thoughts and transform the collective mindset for the better.
This tradition begins with the installation of the Kalash during Shardiya Navratri and reaches its crescendo with the immersion of Maa Durga’s idol on Vijaya Dashami. The dance symbolizes not just devotion but hope, as it weaves itself into the very fabric of the festival.
Dance for Prosperity
For the people of Mithila, agriculture is life. The monsoon’s blessings or its absence can determine the fate of an entire year’s harvest. As a prayer for agricultural prosperity, Jhijhiya also serves a practical purpose: a plea to the Rain God, Lord Indra, for sufficient rainfall.
During Jhijhiya, the women beseech the gods to protect their crops and ensure a bountiful harvest. Their prayers channeled through dance, reflect both gratitude for past blessings and hope for future abundance.
It’s a beautiful fusion of faith, culture, and survival, as the women dance not only for the goddess but for the land they depend on.
Ritual of Jhijhiya Dance
The Jhijhiya dance is a beautiful display of dedication and skill. The dancers, after years of practice, perform with grace and precision, making their movements look effortless.
A key part of the dance is the special lanterns made from mud, decorated with small holes. These lanterns, filled with oil or ghee, give off a soft, glowing light that shines through the holes, adding to the beauty of the performance.
What truly amazes the audience is how the dancers balance these lanterns on their heads. They move with such control that not a single drop of oil spills, and their balance remains perfect throughout the performance. It’s a wonderful blend of tradition and talent.
Preserving The Cultural Treasures
The Jhijhiya dance is a beautiful representation of the depth and variety found in Indian folk traditions. It highlights the hard work, talent, and creativity of its performers. While some folk dances are widely known, many like Jhijhiya remain underappreciated and deserve more attention.
As a society, we need to recognize and celebrate these cultural treasures. Jhijhiya, with its soothing music, graceful steps, and meaningful expressions, reminds us of the rich traditions that form the backbone of our culture.
It’s a reminder that we should work towards giving our folk dances the recognition and respect they deserve, ensuring that these art forms continue to thrive for future generations.
Rhythms & Songs of Jhijhiya
Jhijhiya is more than just a dance; it’s a blend of music and rhythm that creates a magical experience. The dancers move gracefully in circles, singing the beautiful Jhijhiya song, while traditional folk instruments like the Dhol and Manjira add a captivating rhythm to the performance.
The songs performed during Jhijhiya have two distinct themes. One set of songs is dedicated to praising the Goddess, while the other is sung to seek protection from witches and the dangers of black magic. This combination of dance and music makes Jhijhiya a rich cultural expression, filled with meaning and devotion.
[Jhijhiya Song]
तोहरे भरोसे बरहम बाबा झिझिया बनैलियै हो
Jhijhiya song in Maithili language
बरहम बाबा झिझरी पर होईयऊ न असवार
A verse from the song Jhijhiya in the Maithili language is given below with English translation:
At your mercy, we follow Jhijhiya, Father Brahma!
Father Brahma, please come and be a part of this.
In conclusion, the Jhijhiya dance has grown beyond the borders of India and Nepal, becoming a cultural treasure that symbolizes devotion, protection, and the enduring strength of the people of Mithila.
With dancers balancing earthen pots on their heads and songs filling the air, Jhijhiya showcases the lasting spirit of tradition and faith.
This beautiful dance remains a captivating display of cultural richness, thriving even in today’s world. It serves as a reminder of our shared heritage and the unity that helps us overcome challenges together.
FAQs
What is Jhijhiya Dance, and where is it performed?
Jhijhiya also spelled Jhijhri, is a cultural folk dance native to the Mithila region of India and Nepal. It is primarily performed during the Dussehra festival, particularly in the Hindu month of Ashwin (September/October). This dance is a vibrant display of devotion to Goddess Durga and a means to protect against witches and black magic.
Who participates in the Jhijhiya Dance?
Jhijhiya is predominantly performed by women and girls in groups ranging from five to fifteen. These participants are often virgin girls and women who carry earthen pots on their heads while dancing. Each pot contains a burning lamp and has several holes.
What is the significance of the burning lamps in the pots?
The burning lamps within the pots are a central element of the Jhijhiya dance. They symbolize the light of devotion and protection. It is believed that if a witch can count the holes in the pot accurately, the dancer will face dire consequences, making the dance a powerful act of spiritual defense.
Can you explain the origin myth associated with Jhijhiya?
According to legend, Jhijhiya’s origin is linked to the story of King Chitrasen, his wife Rani, and their nephew Balaruchi. The tale involves black magic, illness, and a quest for blood. Balaruchi, after facing hardship, ultimately becomes the king’s successor, and tantric rituals are performed annually for his protection, a tradition later adopted by the people for the safety of their families.
How is Jhijhiya performed during the Dussehra festival?
Jhijhiya is performed over ten consecutive evenings, starting from Ghatasthapana and continuing until Vijaya Dashami. The dance begins with women forming a circle, while a main dancer often stands in the center.
All the dancers, including the main performer, balance pots with multiple holes on their heads, each filled with a lit lamp. The dance is marked by clapping, walking, and moving together in perfect harmony, creating a vibrant and captivating display.
What messages are conveyed through Jhijhiya songs?
Jhijhiya songs serve as a medium for women to express their concerns about the polluted mentality prevalent in society. Through song and dance, they request divine intervention to eradicate evil thoughts and bring goodwill and positive thinking to society.
The tradition, which starts with the installation of the Kalash during Shardiya Navratri, culminates with the immersion of the Maa Durga idol on Vijaya Dashami.
How does Jhijhiya relate to agriculture and prayers for a good harvest?
Jhijhiya is intertwined with prayers for a bountiful harvest, especially among tribal communities in Bihar. Since agriculture heavily relies on rainfall, these prayers are dedicated to the Rain God and Lord Indra, seeking their blessings for ample rainfall. The Jhijhiya dance is performed as part of these prayers to ensure the prosperity of crops and prevent famine.
Can you describe the lanterns used in the Jhijhiya dance?
The lanterns in the Jhijhiya dance are made of mud and feature intricate designs with carefully crafted holes. Lamps filled with oil or ghee are placed inside these lanterns.
The dance is a visual spectacle as the light gracefully escapes through the holes, creating a mesmerizing effect. Despite the intricate movements, the dancers maintain their balance and avoid spilling oil, showcasing their skill and professionalism.
What efforts are needed to preserve and promote folk dances like Jhijhiya?
Preserving and promoting folk dances like Jhijhiya requires a concerted effort from both the community and authorities. This includes documenting and archiving traditions, providing opportunities for training and education, organizing cultural events, and raising awareness about the significance of these dances. Recognizing and celebrating the cultural richness of such dances is essential to their continued vitality.
Besides Dussehra, are there any specific festivals or occasions when Jhijhiya is performed?
Jhijhiya is primarily associated with Dussehra, particularly during the Hindu month of Ashwin. However, variations and adaptations of the dance may be performed at other regional festivals or cultural events, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of this folk tradition.
