Jharkhand Karma Munda Dance

In the Indian state of Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand, Karma is considered as an important folk dance form. This dance art is enjoyed more and best in Jharkhand region as compared to others. Moreover at the time of Karma festival both men and women celebrate it with great pomp and show. They even perform various dances but Karma is one such significant form of dance which is enjoyed widely by the people of Jharkhand.

History

Karma dance form was originated from the Indian region of Jharkhand which is situated in Bihar state. This region has well versed people who are very creative even. Also these people love to celebrate various festivals and events with great glory. Therefore at the time of Karma festival which usually occurs in August month, the people of Jharkhand start preparations of it earlier and enjoy it with dancing. Furthermore this popular folk dance is done by both men and women in honor of Karma festival. Also this dance name is derived from a tree which is named as Karma. This tree is considered as a sacred tree because the residents living in Jharkhand regard it as a sign of prosperity and good luck.

Description

Karma is a folk dance basically done at the time of Karma festival. Both females and males actively take part in Karma dance at the time of Karma festival which occurs in month of August. Additionally this dance art is performed in honor and celebration of plantation of new trees. It is believed in Jharkhand that Karma which is a sacred tree brings prosperity and good fortune. Therefore in the month of August the people of Jharkhand celebrate this with a festival and dance. In this dance the dancers form a circle around their new plantation of tress and then perform it by encircling their hands on each other’s waist. In addition in this dance they even pass branch of tree to each other. This dance needs lot of practice and is only performed by the professional performers. In addition when the karma branch gets completed with the circle then it is washed with the help of rice and milk. Further it is believed by the local tribes that when this procession is done that the branch of karma should not touch the earth and then once again it is raised between the dancers for further performance.