Folk Dance forms of India

JAWARA
The Jawara is performed in the Bundelkhand area of Madhya Pradesh. It is essentially a harvest dance-reflecting the gaiety and pleasure of the peasants who have reaped a good harvest. The dance is performed by men and women together. The costumes and jewellery worn by the women are colourful. The women carry baskets full of jawara on their heads and although the dance is very vigorous they are able to balance these baskets very skillfully on their heads. The accompaniment includes a rich variety of percussion, stringed and wind instruments.

The state of Bihar has a variety of dance forms which includes religious dances, the dances of the adivasis and the famous Chhau dance of the Seraikella of Southern Bihar. The most important dances are Karma, Jatra and Paika dances. On the Ekadashi day of Bhadra month, a branch of Karma tree is planted and Pooja is offered by dancing. Men, women and children who after drinking Handia or rice beer dance continuously for 3 days.