Living Traditions: Festival of Jharkhand – Day 1

Nagpuri songs by Prithviraj Sinhdeo & group

Regarded as a derivative of Bhojpuri, Nagpuri is the main language of Sadan, an ethno-linguistic group of the Chhota Nagpur region, which covers some areas of Jharkhand and neighbouring states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It is also the main language of several tribal groups such as Kharia, Munda, Bhumij, Kurukh and others. Couched in Nagpuri language, the musical renditions are based on diverse melodies, reflecting the typical folk flavour of the region. Until recently, only locally made instruments were used for accompaniment.

Ho dance by Uma Kumari & group

Ho Munda are the scheduled tribe of the Singbhum district of Jharkhand. Performed together by men and women, the Ho dance is essentially regarded as a courtship dance. But often, it is also performed during the harvest season and wedding celebrations. White, red and yellow colours dominate attires of both men and women. Holding each other, they move with the melody of the bansuri (bamboo flute) in a semi-circular fashion with graceful footsteps and waist movements, matching with the beat of drums and percussion instruments such as dama, dumeng and rutu, to name a few. The songs vary with the change of season and occasion; as a result, there are several variations of this dance form. Mage Porob, organised in the month of Magh, is a well-known dance festival of the Ho Munda community.

Gohaeer Jatra: folk play written and directed by Deepak Lohar

A Presentation by Birsa Kala Kendra

The title of the play depicts loud communication amidst the pandemonium of the countryside fair. This is a story of a village girl Roopa, caught in human trafficking. The play unfolds the heartrending plight of the victim along with that of her brother, Kanhu, who also has his own share of life struggles. The play has a tragic end, highlighting the menacing effects of rural poverty that is rampant in most Indian villages.

Box Office now open.